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2012 Map of Sandy Mush

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Sandy Mush
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

The Merced National Wildlife Refuge anchors the southwestern portion of this agricultural landscape in the San Joaquin Valley. This 2012 survey illustrates a complex managed water system essential to the region's central industry, characterized by named channels such as Mattos Drain, Steiner Drain, and the Casebeer Road Lateral. These artificial waterways cut across a strictly gridded road network, supporting significant local operations like Homen Dairy Farms and the Sandy Mush Ranch.

Natural riparian features persist alongside the irrigation works, including the winding paths of Chamberlain Slough, Sand Slough, and Hartley Slough. The persistence of these sloughs amidst the highly regular geometry of the surrounding fields and Spilker Lateral provides a look at the historical hydrology of the Central Valley before modern drainage and conservation efforts like Sandy Mush Country were established.