2011 Map of Briggs Coulee

About this map

McDonald Creek meanders through this Fergus County landscape, defining the local drainage and topography in a region marked by rural water management. The presence of multiple impoundments, such as Lewis Brothers Dam, Lewis Dam Number 1, and Lewis Dam Number 2, suggests a landscape oriented toward ranching and livestock support. These small-scale dams and reservoirs are clustered in the northern and central sections, indicative of the vital role water conservation plays in this part of Montana. Named geographic features like Briggs Coulee provide further insight into the land's relief. The transport network is comprised of utilitarian ranch and service routes, including Stark Ranch Rd and Gravel Pit Rd, which provide access to the area's resources and isolated homesteads. Near the southern boundary, the Archer Number 2 Dam serves as another localized landmark in this sparsely settled prairie environment.