2024 Map of Harwood Bench

About this map

Harwood Bench dominates the center of this landscape, reflecting the classic plateau-and-drainage topography found along the border of Fergus and Judith Basin counties. The area is defined by a sparse network of section-line roads, such as Prairie View Rd and Harwood Bench Rd, which serve the expansive ranchlands characteristic of this part of Central Montana. To the southwest, the Indian Buttes rise above the surrounding terrain, providing a distinct landmark for the region's cattle and grain producers. A complex system of coulees and seasonal streams, including Big Sagebrush Coulee and Scotchman Coulee, dissects the benchland. These natural features, along with Sage Creek and Indian Creek, dictate the movement of both water and wildlife through the open country. This 2024 survey documents the contemporary parceling and land use of a region that remains deeply tied to its geographic contours.