1971 Map of Bitter Lake

About this map

Bitter Lake dominates the central portion of this Nelson County landscape, characterized by the intricate drainage and pothole wetlands of the Red River Valley’s western reaches. The early 1970s terrain reflects a heavy emphasis on conservation, marked by the extensive National Waterfowl Production Area which occupies much of the western half of the quadrangle. This area was part of a critical environmental effort by the Department of the Interior to preserve the essential prairie pothole habitat for migrating birds. Bordered by the civil townships of Williams, Michigan City, Central, and Melvin, the map provides a look at the rural section lines and local industry, such as a Gravel Pit, interspersed with water bodies like Horseshoe Lake and Twin Lakes.