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2023 Map of Ramon SW

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Ramon SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Natural Bridge stands as a prominent geographic landmark in this high-desert landscape where Lincoln, De Baca, and Chaves counties meet. The terrain is defined by a sophisticated network of water management features essential for ranching in an arid environment. Numerous catchment basins, including Railroad Tank, White Tank, and Adobe-Tank, are scattered across the quadrangle to collect seasonal runoff. These features, along with names like Dipping Vat Draw, suggest a long-standing reliance on livestock and pastoral land use.

Drainage patterns are clearly etched into the surface by the Fifteenmile Arroyo and several named draws such as Buck Draw and Automobile Draw. The infrastructure is sparse, characterized by remote county roads like Co RD 8024 and Sotol RD that navigate the ridges and valleys. This 2023 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures the enduring character of this New Mexico borderland where geographic boundaries and water sources remain the primary points of reference.