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1990 Map of Big Spring Butte

Name: 1990 Topographic Map of Big Spring Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge dominates this high-desert landscape, preserving a vast expanse of the Great Basin as it appeared in the late 20th century. The topography is defined by significant volcanic plateau formations, most notably Gooch Table and the Sage Hen Hills, which rise above the surrounding flats. Water management is central to the area's geography, evidenced by Sage Hen Reservoir and Big Spring Reservoir, which collect precious surface water in an otherwise arid environment.

The map details the intersection of Nevada and Oregon along the northern margin, where Harney and Humboldt Counties meet. Distinctive landmarks such as Big Spring Butte and Boundary Butte serve as critical navigational markers. Human activity is sparse, limited to localized features like a Gravel Pit and scattered stock ponds, while natural drainage is primarily carried by Big Spring Creek. This survey captures the isolated character of the borderlands before modern development altered these traditional grazing and wildlife corridors.