Wisconsin's Healthy Lakes & Rivers

The health of our  environment and economy depends on the vitality of our amazing lakes and rivers.  Our Vilas communities can only thrive when our waters thrive. 

That’s what drives our vision of a future where our natural waters are protected and cherished for the high value and quality of life they provide.

Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association was formed over 30 years ago with the mission to sustainably preserve, protect, and enhance our lakes and rivers for the benefit of all. We accomplish our mission by working with partner and supporting member families, businesses and lake organizations to foster an informed and engaged community committed to the welfare of our lake and river heritage.

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 its amazing lakes and rivers. They truly inspire and connect us – and drive our tourist-based economy!

In fact tourism fuels nearly $0.4B in economic impact annually in Vilas County; only Door and Sauk Counties have higher per capita tourist impacts. And waterfront properties provide 3/4 of Vilas County's property tax revenues!  Our lives and livelihoods are truly closely tied to our lakes and related ecosystems.

For over 30 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.

Ways VCLRA works to protect Vilas County’s natural waters:

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.