1984 Map of Poverty Basin North

About this map

Poverty Basin dominates the central landscape of this high desert terrain in Lake County, Oregon, revealing a region defined by its water management and distinct geological features. Surveyed through aerial photography from 1974 and 1980, the sheet documents an arid environment where ranching and resource extraction are supported by features like the Poverty Basin Well, a Water Tank, and the Diatomite Reservoir. The industrial history of the area is further suggested by a long Aqueduct cutting through the basin, likely supporting local mining or livestock operations. Topographical landmarks such as Saunders Rim, Horse Mtn, and the curiously named Doughnut Mtn provide significant elevation markers for researchers and surveyors. Remote water sources like North DC Waterhole highlight the isolation of this corner of the state during the early 1980s, offering a clear record of the infrastructure required to sustain activity in the Oregon backcountry.