1982 Map of Cluster Buttes NW

About this map

Box Elder Creek meanders through this portion of eastern Montana, defining the local drainage patterns across a landscape marked by intermittent water sources and high plains relief. During this period in the early 1980s, the land was managed through an extensive network of ranching infrastructure, evidenced by the numerous Well and Spring labels that signify critical water points for livestock. The presence of Milliron Reservoir No 1 and Milliron Reservoir No 2 suggests a structured approach to water management and storage in an environment where surface water is seasonal. Fine red dashed lines throughout the quadrangle indicate the placement of selected fence lines, providing a detailed look at property boundaries and land division in the late twentieth century. This survey documents the intersection of natural topography and the human modifications necessary to sustain agricultural life in the region.