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1971 Map of Pleasant Lake

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Pleasant Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Pleasant Lake National Wildlife Refuge anchors this North Dakota landscape, where the prairie is defined by a dense network of glacial wetlands and alkaline basins. The boundary between Pierce Co and Benson Co bisects the terrain, revealing an environment primarily dedicated to conservation and the Burlington Northern railroad corridor. The rail line skirts the northern edge of several water bodies, including Sand Lake, Broken Bone Lake, and Mud Lake, highlighting the historic importance of the railroad in navigating this water-heavy region.

Elevation changes are subtle but significant for the local geography, notably at Broken Bone Hill and throughout Reno Valley. The map details the extent of protected lands such as Meyer Township National Wildlife Refuge and Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which cover much of the southern and western portions of the quadrangle. These designations indicate a landscape largely preserved for habitat, with few structural intrusions beyond isolated pits and the central rail artery.