At VCLRA, we’re passionate about our lakes and rivers. It’s in our nature!
In fact, nature has blessed Vilas County with over 1300 lakes and 70 rivers and streams, more than any other county in Wisconsin, and one of the highest concentrations of inland fresh water in the world.
Whether you live, work, or play in Vilas County, chances are you were drawn here by our amazing waters.
Their natural beauty brought us here, but their future depends on us! Let’s all work together to protect the lakes and rivers that connect people, nature, and this remarkable place for generations to come.
Vilas County stats
Our Approach
Ways we protect Vilas County’s natural waters upon which our environment and economy depends.
Advocacy
VCLRA works with our partners and supporting member families, businesses and lake organizations to advocate for sensible, science-informed policy to protect our natural waters and shorelands. We engage in DNR and town hearings, develop position letters to policy makers, have a presence in key committee meetings and events, and sponsor or co-sponsor scientific research studies that support sound policy.
Education
VCLRA exhibits at local fairs/fests, holds workshop events, distributes two print newsletters annually, maintains a year-round website presence, and offers a speaker's bureau service. Our Blue Heron Stewardship Award raises awareness and showcases excellence in lake-friendly waterfront development. We also developed a shoreland class for middle schools and award high school scholarships annually.
Conservation
We assist in the formation of lake associations and districts — the first line of defense for protecting our natural waters — and provide them with support, including training and access to lake and river monitoring equipment. We also develop programs for shoreland and waterways conservation, and sponsor or co-sponsor worthy projects and scientific research studies that support these efforts.
When we protect our waters we protect our future
Our lives and livelihoods are intimately tied to our lakes and related ecosystems. We may be drawn to Vilas for the natural wonder of our waters, but we stay because of the powerful connection they create—linking people, nature, and community. Their benefits are central to the environment and economy — from farming and forestry to leisure and tourism. When our natural waters thrive, so can Vilas communities. Conversely, not protecting our natural waters could have potentially devastating consequences for the future.
For years, Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association (VCLRA) has been working with families, businesses, and lake organizations to sustainably preserve, protect, and enhance our natural waters. Let's work together to ensure that our beautiful lakes and rivers benefit generations to come.
