2021 Map of Ell Lake

About this map

Ell Lake and its surrounding wetlands define this portion of Cherry County, Nebraska, where water management and the natural hydrology of the Sandhills are on clear display. The Ainsworth Canal cuts across the landscape, illustrating the engineering required to move water through this sandy terrain. Numerous water bodies including Big Alkali Lake, Bakers Lake, and Rogers Lake are scattered throughout, interspersed with flatlands like Bens Flat and Lovejoy Flats. Drainage for the region is provided by local waterways such as Schlagel Cr and Evergreen Cr. The map also identifies smaller features like Coleman Pond and Lovejoy Lake, providing a clear record of the area's hydrologic profile in the early twenty-first century. This survey is particularly useful for those studying the interaction between the area's natural lake systems and modern irrigation infrastructure.