In 1992, 30 people met representing 17 lakes to look at the possibilities of organizing a countywide association of lakes. Of primary concern was whether this diverse group representing diverse interests could come to agreement on some common goals and objectives to work on collectively.
Forest County was the fourth county in Wisconsin to form a countywide association of lakes. Since then, several additional counties have formed associations and others are in the process, including Vilas and Washington counties.
County lake associations are well suited to carry out a number of services. A county association can offer educational programming on a more extensive basis than individual organizations. It can provide a mechanism for lake groups to share with each other. A countywide lake association can also help local groups who may wish to form a Lake Organization with planning efforts including application for grants and funding for area lake management
The purpose of the FCAL, Inc. is to facilitate education, research and sharing between organizations, individuals, governmental bodies and the general public of Forest County to protect Forest County inland water bodies, environs and watershed for now and future generations, including, but not limited to: aesthetic beauty, water quality, wildlife habitat and fisheries.