2023 Map of Birch Creek Meadow

About this map

Birch Creek Meadow and the surrounding high-country drainages define this portion of the border between Baker and Malheur counties. The landscape is marked by a sophisticated water management system consisting of several linked basins, including Kivett Reservoir Number 1, Kivett Reservoir Number 2, and Kivett Reservoir Number 3. These features, along with Birch Creek and Becker Creek, illustrate the historical reliance on water storage for ranching or irrigation in this arid part of Eastern Oregon. Rural access is provided by isolated corridors like Huntington Rd and Malheur Reservoir Rd. The map also records numerous natural water sources critical for local livestock and wildlife, such as Falkner Spring, Cottonwood Spring, and Cherry Spring, which are scattered among the steep incisions of Matthew Gulch and Grove Gulch.