1980 Map of Rice Lake NW

About this map

Glacial prairie potholes and wetland depressions dominate this northern Ward County landscape, recorded during a 1980 update of the region. The map highlights the extensive National Waterfowl Production Area, reflecting the area's significance for migratory bird conservation within the Prairie Pothole Region. Human industrial activity is centered on the South Lonetree Oil Field in the northeast, where scattered wells dot the terrain. The landscape is organized into distinct townships including Mandan, Tolgen, and Rolling Green, while the presence of Gravel Pits suggests local extractive industries supporting the rural road network. This survey captures a moment of transition where traditional agriculture and wildlife preservation coexisted with increasing energy development in the western North Dakota plains.