2024 Map of Down Reservoir NW

About this map

Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent Blaine County Waterfowl Production Area anchor this northern Montana landscape, where conservation land preservation meets high plains hydrology. The terrain is defined by the ephemeral waters of Black Coulee, which sits north of the winding Black Creek drainage system. A network of rural gravel routes, including Fairbanks Rd and Heilig Rd, provides access across the township and range lines. The presence of Duck Lake and various smaller basins suggests a landscape characterized by seasonal prairie potholes, a critical habitat for the regional bird populations identified in the protected areas. This survey illustrates the modern configuration of public lands and water management in this sparsely populated section of the state.