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2012 Map of Nielson Ranch

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Nielson Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

Family ranches and drainage basins define this portion of the Swift Bear Segment in Mellette County. The landscape is marked by several long-established homesteads, including the Nielson Ranch, Shouldis Ranch, and a cluster of operations belonging to the Chamberlain family, such as the Marvin Chamberlain Ranch, Charles Chamberlain Ranch, and Lyle Chamberlain Ranch. These sites are linked by a network of rural roads that navigate the rolling plains south of the White River valley.

Hydrological features dictate the orientation of these agricultural holdings, with the northern reaches drained by Cottonwood Cr and the central and southern portions defined by the branches of Pine Creek. The convergence of N Br Pine Cr, S Br Pine Cr, and the main stem of Pine Cr creates a complex system of draws and seasonal watercourses. This map provides a clear look at the spatial distribution of ranching infrastructure and local water resources in south-central South Dakota during the early 21st century.