At VCLRA we’re passionate about our lakes and rivers. It’s in our nature!
In fact, nature has blessed Wisconsin’s Vilas County with one of the world’s highest concentrations of inland fresh water. They shape our landscape and our way of life—drawing people to Vilas County to live, work, and play, and powering a tourism industry worth nearly half a billion dollars a year.
Join Us in Protecting What Makes Vilas County Special
Let’s all work together to protect our amazing lakes and rivers and help preserve the beauty, health, and vitality of this extraordinary place for generations to come.
Vilas County stats
Only Sauk (Dells) and Door Counties have higher per capita tourist impacts than Vilas.
Our Approach
Ways we protect the waters that sustain our environment and local economy.
Advocacy
Protecting our lakes through community voice and science-based action.
VCLRA works with our partners and supporting member families, businesses and lake organizations to champion science-informed policies that safeguard our waters and shorelands — engaging in hearings, advising policymakers, and supporting research that strengthens lake protection.
Education
Engaging communities and inspiring stewardship through education and outreach.
VCLRA fosters community learning that builds the foundation for lasting stewardship through our website, newsletters, workshops, youth programs, and community events. From inspiring youth to welcoming new lake property owners and partnering with local businesses, our initiatives bring people together around a shared commitment to protect our natural waters.
Conservation
Empowering lake communities to promote conservation of our precious waters.
VCLRA promotes the formation of lake associations and districts — the first line of defense for protecting our beautiful lakes and rivers — and provide them with support, tools and training. We also develop programs for shoreland and waterways conservation, and sponsor or co-sponsor worthy projects and scientific research studies.
When we protect our waters we protect our future
Vilas County, Wisconsin, is home to one of the richest concentrations of inland freshwater lakes on Earth. Its landscape is a complex, interconnected mosaic of over 1,300 lakes, 70 rivers, sprawling wetlands, and rare old-growth forests. These ecosystems are globally unique and are vital because they serve as a critical environmental filter, a sanctuary for endangered biodiversity, and the primary engine driving the region's economy. Truly, when our waters thrive, our communities thrive — supporting recreation, small businesses, and tourism that brings close to half a billion dollars into Vilas County each year.
Since our founding years ago, Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association (VCLRA) has been working with member families, businesses, and lake organizations to sustainably preserve, protect, and enhance our natural waters. We advocate for effective protections, build grassroots awareness and involvement, and support conservation initiatives that keep our lakes and rivers thriving. Join us and strengthen this essential work through your membership and support. Let's work together to preserve these pristine waters for generations to come.
View our VCLRA Lake Living brochure. Print copies are available upon request for our members.