1968 Map of Ovando

About this map

Ovando serves as the primary focal point of this late-1960s survey, situated where the Blackfoot River valley meets the foothills of the Lolo National Forest. The landscape is a complex network of glacial kettle lakes and drainages, including Opsata Lake, James Lake, and Lahrity Lake, which dot the valley floor below the prominent Monture Hills. The presence of the Barbour Ditch and several reservoirs like Bandy Reservoir illustrates the area's historical reliance on water management for ranching operations such as the Monture-Hereford Ranch. Transportation and communication infrastructure are represented by the Scotty Brown Bridge and a Lookout Tower atop the hills, while the Gaging Sta 3917 along the river highlights the importance of hydrological monitoring in this watershed. The map captures a transition between the open valley ranchlands and the timbered slopes of the Red Hills.