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1982 Map of Payne Creek

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Payne Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1982
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1982

About this map

The Oregon Canyon Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape along the border of Oregon and Nevada. This 1982 survey details a region defined by water management and isolated ranching outposts, including Turner Ranch, Peyton Ranch, and the Zimmerman Ranch near the southern boundary. The presence of numerous engineered water features like Fifteenmile Reservoir, Beaver Reservoir, and McDermitt Creek Reservoir highlights the necessity of water storage for livestock and mining in this arid environment.

Industrial activity is evident at the Opalite Mine and nearby Opalite Reservoir, indicating a history of mercury or mineral extraction in the canyons. Scattered throughout are reminders of more transient habitation, from the Cow Camp in the north to unidentified Ruins and Prospects found along Cowboy Creek. Natural features like Hot Springs and numerous named water sources, such as Rose Spring No 1, underscore the geological complexity of the Rattlesnake Canyon area.