2012 Map of Owanka NE

About this map

Elk Cr and Alkali Cr define the drainage of this western South Dakota landscape, where the natural watercourses carve through the high plains of Pennington County. The terrain is characterized by broad valleys and occasional depressions like Hay Draw, which provide essential relief to the open prairie. By the early 21st century, the area maintained a strictly rural character, organized by a rectangular grid of section-line roads and regional connectors like Co Hwy Mc-29. Transportation through this expansive territory relies on a network of long-distance thoroughfares such as Lakeside Rd and Angell Rd, which facilitate movement between isolated ranching properties. This USGS survey captures the intersection of natural hydrology and man-made infrastructure, showing how local names like Little Alkali Rd reflect the specific geographical features that have long dictated the placement of travel routes in the region.