VCLRA initiatives and other resources
Tools to help preserve and protect our waterways and shorelands
Vilas County passes zoning ordinance regulating tourist rooming houses
The Vilas County Tourist Rooming House Ordinance passed with a unanimous vote last week.
Observations from recent wakesurfing bill listening sessions
I attended the Eagle River and Rhinelander listening sessions. I could not get into the Minocqua session. All sessions were standing room only! The session interest and attendance was impressive!
Wakesurfing regulators host public input sessions Nov. 13
Rep. Rob Swearingen and Sen. Mary Felzkowski, who have drafted wakesurfing legislation as reported in our earlier posts, will be hosting listening sessions on Monday, Nov. 13 to hear public input.
UPDATE from Wisconsin Lakes on wakeboat legislation
Wisconsin Lakes released this ACTION ALERT yesterday regarding regarding the proposed wakesport bill LRB-3518
SOAR Wisconsin River Cleanup
A dozen students and teachers from the SOAR Charter High School participated in a river cleanup along a stretch of the Wisconsin River in Eagle River. Wildwood Outdoor Adventures graciously provided about a dozen canoes and kayaks, paddles and life vests for the event.
Rushed legislation on wakeboats under consideration
State-wide legislation regulating wakesurfing with simply a 200-foot minimum distance from shore criterion for wake boats is under consideration. This would be an attempt to preempt research and discussion by all stakeholders, which has been underway here in Wisconsin and in several other states.
Wisconsin Green Fire social event announced
A social featuring WGF’s Northern Lake Toolbox workshops will be held October 18th at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm.
2023 Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting Video
View the video recording of the 2023 Northwoods six-county lakes and rivers meeting, which featured a balance of learning and discussion of key issues affecting our lakes and rivers.
Fishing on Conover Lakes – a WDNR Fisheries Program
The Conover Lakes Committee is sponsoring a DNR Fisheries program: “Fishing on Conover Lakes” on July 12, 2023, 5:30 pm at the Conover Recreation Center. Please join us — it’s free!
2023 VCLRA Summer Newsletter
News about the the July 14th six-county lakes and rivers conference featuring a panel on law-enforcement challenges affecting the health and enjoyment of our lakes; update on wake boat resolutions and more!
2023 6-county lakes & rivers workshop
REVISED: This year’s 6-county lakes & rivers meeting will take place on July 14th and include updates on Wisconsin legislation, invasives and other issues of interest to our lake community, plus highlight the role of law enforcement on maintaining the health and enjoyment of our Northwoods lakes and rivers.
Shoreland Owner Workshop
If you own lake or river shoreland property and would like to learn about best practices and programs to protect water quality and habitat, as well as permanent conservation options through NWLT, please join us on Monday, June 26 at 10 am at the Northwoods Center in Eagle River.
Northwoods Businesses for Clean Waters
Our lakes and rivers are the foundation of our Northwoods economy. Northwoods Bussinesses for Clean Waters is a partnership of conservationists and businesses with a common vision of the Northwoods as a place where both people and nature thrive.
New Shoreland Owners Initiative
Are you a new owner of lake property? Learn about ways to help keep your lake beautiful and healthy. Special offer available.
GREET Initiative
Improper shoreline development is the major threat to lake health. Many damaging developments happen soon after a change in ownership. Our Greet your Neighbor Initiative is designed to equip lake associations with the tools they need to identify and share their community’s vision of waterfront living with new lake residents in a positive, engaging way.
Blue Heron Stewardship Award
VCLRA makes these annual awards to generate awareness and educate lake property owners on the importance of shoreland stewardship by showcasing excellence in lake-friendly waterfront development.
VCLRA Scholarship
$500 competitive scholarships will be awarded to graduating High School Seniors who reside in Vilas County pursuing a career in the area of Natural Resources.
Shoreland Protection Legacy
Leave a lasting legacy. VCLRA has partnered with the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) in a Shoreland Protection Legacy Initiative to permanently conserve extensive stretches of privately-owned natural shoreline on lakes, rivers, ponds and streams in Vilas County.
Resources