1984 Map of Poleta Canyon

About this map

Owens Valley landscape dynamics are captured here in the mid-1980s, defined by the contrast between the flat alluvial floor and the steep western face of the White Mountains. The meandering course of the Owens River dominates the valley floor, accompanied by numerous Flowing Wells and the small catchment of Saunders Lake. This period of land use is marked by a mix of recreation, infrastructure, and resource extraction, ranging from the Keough Hot Springs in the southwest to the Poleta Mine tucked into the mountain canyons. Transportation routes like Laws Poleta Road and Collins Road provide access to various industrial sites, including a Gravel Pit and several large storage facilities. The presence of the East Line Cem and the Bishop Airport near the western edge reflects the proximity to regional centers of commerce and community memory.