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1964 Map of Mud Lake NW

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Mud Lake NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The expansive North Lake State Wildlife Management Area anchors this 1960s study of the high desert basin in Jefferson County. This terrain is defined by a sophisticated water management network necessary for the region's ranching and agriculture, featuring the Jefferson Canal, Mitchell Ditch, and Mc Kevitt Ditch. These man-made watercourses crisscross the landscape to feed into Johnston Lake and the northern reaches of Mud Lake.

Elevated landmarks like Needle Butte and the rugged contours of The Breaks provide a sharp contrast to the low-lying wetlands of North Lake. The prevalence of private water sources, such as Sanders Well, indicates the distributed nature of early settlement and land use across these townships. This map captures the intersection of natural hydrology and engineering at a time when local irrigation systems were essential to the lifeblood of southeastern Idaho.