1990 Map of Little Black Canyon

About this map

Lawrence Ranch sits at the heart of this high-desert drainage system in eastern Oregon, representing the localized ranching operations that defined Malheur County's land use during the late twentieth century. The landscape is characterized by a sophisticated network of small-scale water management features, including Annies Reservoir, Pence Spring Reservoir, and Negro Rock Reservoir, which highlight the critical importance of water rights and storage in this arid environment. The map details the intricate branching of Cottonwood Creek, with its West Fork and South Fork tributaries carving through the terrain. To the east, the Little Black Canyon and the winding Willow Spring Creek illustrate the topographical variation of the region. These managed water points, such as Hog Creek Reservoir No 1 and Allotment Reservoir No 3, provide a clear picture of how the livestock industry adapted to the geography of the high plateau.