1965 Map of Lake Reservoir

About this map

Charles M Russell National Wildlife Range defines the southern half of this landscape, reflecting federal conservation efforts in the Missouri River Basin during the mid-1960s. The map illustrates a highly managed water system designed for the arid Montana plains, featuring an extensive network of small catchments such as Monster Reservoir, Lake Reservoir, and Badger Reservoir. These man-made features, alongside isolated points like the Flowing Well, underscore the critical importance of water security for livestock and wildlife in Phillips County. The drainage patterns of Beauchamp Creek and Cline Creek cut through the breaks, leading toward the coulees and ridges that characterize the local topography. This 1965 field-checked survey preserves the exact placement of fence lines and ranching infrastructure within the Wildlife Range before later environmental shifts or administrative changes altered the land use of this Missouri River tributary area.