Loading map...

1963 Map of Bamforth Lake

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Bamforth Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The Laramie River meanders through a landscape defined by expansive ranching operations and complex water management systems in this mid-century survey of Albany County. Prominent family holdings such as the Biddick Ranch, McKechnie River Ranch, and Carroll Ranch anchor the territory, connected by historical routes like Howell Road and Biddick Road. The infrastructure of the high plains is evident in the network of irrigation features, including the Oasis Ditch and the Fork of North Canal, which support agriculture in this semi-arid environment.

Conservation and wildlife interests are centered around the Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge and Big Basin, where alkali flats and water bodies like Hailey Lake and Soap Holes provide critical habitat. The Union Pacific railroad corridor runs along the eastern edge, serving as a primary transportation artery through the region. This map illustrates the intersection of industrial rail, systematic irrigation, and the long-standing ranching legacy of the Wyoming plains.