Welcome to the Big Portage Lake Website

Big Portage Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin.

The Big Portage Lake Riparian Owners Association (BPLROA) was formed in 1976 by a group of property owners who wanted to protect Big Portage Lake, especially the water quality. They wrote a Statement of Purpose that serves as a mission statement for the organization.

Since then, the Board and many member volunteers have, among other accomplishments, dealt with a tent caterpillar infestation in 2000, pursued a change in zoning of the majority of properties around the lake in 2007, started monitoring the boat landing for AIS in 2006, and launched a loon nest platform in 2021.

In 2008, the Board worked to amend the organization bylaws in order to become a “qualified lake organization.” The bylaws needed to adhere to a list of the State of Wisconsin statutes including criteria for membership, voting, and dues. Becoming a qualified lake organization meant that BPLROA was able to apply for State of Wisconsin grant money to prepare Lake Management Plans (LMPs).

The association has since completed two LMPs, one in 2012, and another in 2020. Having these plans on file with the DNR allows BPLROA to more rapidly apply for grants to deal with aquatic invasive species should the need arise.

The Bylaws were updated again in 2022.

Over the decades, the Board’s many members and volunteers have worked to protect the resources of BPL including water quality, fishing, aquatic plants, waterfowl, wildlife, and the quality of life for owners and visitors.

Please join us in respecting and protecting our lake. We can all be the “kind stewards” of this beautiful, special, and fragile ecosystem.

More information about the lake can be found on the Big Portage Lake page.