2017 Map of Agate

About this map

The Niobrara River meanders across this Sioux County landscape, cutting through the high plains of western Nebraska. Central to this map is the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, a site renowned for its Miocene-era paleontological significance and the intersection of natural history with local ranching heritage. The terrain is defined by its drainage patterns and a sparse network of section-line roads, including Nunn Rd and Morrill Rd, which provide access to the remote townships. This survey illustrates the protected federal lands surrounding the river valley, where the preservation of prehistoric fossil beds dictates the modern land use within the Township 29 North, Range 55 West and neighboring jurisdictions. The map records the intersection of geological preservation and the traditional Nebraska range.