Tilleda Pond

On the scoring rubric Tilleda Pond grades a D: clarity readings still being added and 64 µg/L of phosphorus keep it in the lower bracket for Shawano County. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

At a TSI of 64, Tilleda Pond reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. Tilleda Pond is a shallow lake at 11 ft maximum depth, which means it warms quickly, mixes constantly, and amplifies nutrient inputs. The lake is compact at 28 acres, with partial shoreline records and little volume to buffer nutrient inputs. Within the 27 graded lakes of Shawano County, Tilleda Pond sits at rank 26, near the bottom of the county list.

Tilleda Pond carries an invasive watermilfoil record — boat-launch decontamination and shoreline care matter more here than at uninfested lakes. Bass fishing is part of the appeal: the species list runs to 3, anchored by largemouth and/or smallmouth bass. A documented public access point at Tilleda Pond makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.