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1987 Map of Mayhew Lake

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

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

The Nebraska Sandhills come into sharp focus in the late 1980s, revealing a landscape defined by ranching and vital water sources. Yaryan Ranch and the outlier camp at Starr Camp mark the sparse human footprint in this corner of Cherry County, where survival depends on the groundwater accessed through features like a Flowing Well and Irr Well.

The topography is characterized by a mix of wetlands and arid basins, including Little Steen Marsh, Mayhew Lake, and the expansive Marsh Lake. Broad, level areas such as Big Creek Flat and the southern Dry Valley provide a stark contrast to the surrounding dune formations. The map traces the intermittent course of Big Creek, illustrating the natural drainage patterns of this high plains environment during the mid-to-late 20th century.