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1985 Map of Elm River

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

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge dominates the eastern drainage of this mid-1980s landscape, where the James River and Sand Lake Reservoir create a vital corridor for migratory birds. This region, spanning the border between North Dakota and South Dakota, is characterized by its organized agricultural colonies and water management systems. Numerous flowing wells dot the prairies near settlements such as Frederick and Hecla, while communal living is evidenced by the Spring Creek Colony, Long Lake Colony, and Plainview Colony No 2.

Transportation networks are defined by the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Chicago and North Western Railroad, which connected small grain-handling hubs like Ellendale and Columbia. To the west, the winding path of the Elm River and the Maple River converge, feeding into a network of sloughs and reservoirs including Mud Lake Reservoir and Richmond Lake. The map details a transition from the agricultural plains to protected conservation areas like the Dakota Lake National Wildlife Refuge and various state game production areas.