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2011 Map of Cactus Flat

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Cactus Flat
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The Marias River carves a winding course through this northern Montana landscape, anchoring a region of wide basins and named drainages. Local ranching history is etched across the terrain, with several established family operations including the Stanford Russell Ranch, Nelson Ranch, and Seifert Ranch positioned near the water and valley floor. These holdings sit alongside geographic landmarks like Willow Rounds and the broad Bullhead Valley, reflecting the enduring agricultural patterns of Pondera County.

Water management and natural topography dictate the settlement of Cactus Flat, where the dry coulees of Millar Coulee and Schultz Coulee drain toward the river. To the south, Heron Lake provides a distinct hydrological feature within the otherwise arid northern plains. This survey documents the intersection of named rural lanes and significant ranch boundaries, providing a clear record of land use in this river-bottom territory.