1990 Map of Lawen

About this map

Lawen serves as the central settlement in this expansive section of the Harney Valley, where complex water management systems define the high desert basin. The hydrologic character of the landscape is dominated by the splitting of the East Fork Silvies River and West Fork Silvies River, which feed into an intricate network of waterways including Ninemile Slough, Black Slough, and Square Well Slough. These natural and modified channels illustrate the critical importance of water distribution for both ranching and conservation in the late 20th century. A significant portion of the southern landscape is occupied by the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the region's role as a vital sanctuary within the Great Basin drainage. The numerous levees and check dams printed across the map indicate the historical efforts to control seasonal runoff within this sensitive riparian ecosystem.