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1987 Map of Madison Plateau

Name: 1987 Topographic Map of Madison Plateau
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Madison Plateau dominates this high-altitude landscape along the border of Gallatin and Madison Counties. The 1987 survey reveals an environment defined by the management of water and livestock, evidenced by the intricate system of gravity-fed irrigation channels including the Hutchison Ditch and Sloan Ditch. These man-made features contrast with natural drainages like Elk Creek and Spring Creek, which cut through the complex topography of the plateau's edge.

Local ranching infrastructure is clearly marked, identifying functional landmarks such as a Feed Lot and several Storage Bins. The map also captures several natural water sources critical to the area's ecology and economy, notably the Willow Springs located in the western portion of the quadrangle. This provisional edition is particularly valuable for tracing the exact placement of early agricultural water rights and land use patterns in this part of Montana.