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2011 Map of Ell Lake

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

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The water-rich landscape of Cherry County is defined here by a network of natural lakes and engineering projects that support the region's ranching economy. The Ainsworth Canal cuts across the northern terrain, a major irrigation artery that diverts water through a land dotted with significant water bodies like Big Alkali Lake and Ell Lake. These lakes, along with smaller features such as Bakers Lake and Smith Lake, represent the characteristic hydrology of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Established ranching operations are scattered throughout the quadrangle, including the Lovejoy Ranch near the northern boundary, Miller Ranch to the west, and Baker Ranch further south. These named properties, situated near drainage points like Schlegel Creek and Evergreen Creek, illustrate the spatial organization of high-plains agriculture. Low-lying areas such as Bens Flat and Lovejoy Flats provide a look at the subtle topographic shifts that dictate local land use.