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1985 Map of Duches Hole

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Duches Hole
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Green River carves a deep, winding path through this corner of the Uintah Basin, defining the boundary between the Naval Oil Shale Reserve No 2 and the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. This high-desert landscape is characterized by its prominent river bottoms and steep canyon walls, where the river transitions into the northern reaches of Desolation Canyon.

Mapping of this area reveals a network of canyons and plateaus, including Ninemile Canyon and the expansive Horse Bench. The river’s course is marked by distinct geographical features like Duches Hole, Nutters Hole, and Boat Bottom, which reflect the historic river-naming conventions of the region. Scattered prospects suggest the early search for minerals and resources amidst the Bad Land Cliffs and Little Desert, providing a look at the intersection of federal land management and tribal territory in the mid-1980s.