2017 Map of Scotchman Lake

About this map

Scotchman Lake and the surrounding high plains of Bennett County appear in this 2017 survey, characterized by the intricate drainage systems of Peck Cr and Hay Cr. The landscape is defined by its seasonal wetlands and ephemeral water bodies, which are critical features in this semi-arid region. These hydraulic patterns, combined with landmarks like Rose Springs, illustrate the historical reliance on reliable water sources in a territory structured by the Public Land Survey System. Movement through this portion of South Dakota is facilitated by a grid of rural routes, including the Tuthill-Eli Rd and Eli Rd, which follow the section lines of Township 36 North and Township 35 North. The map reveals the sparsely populated, open-range character of the region, where roads like 298 St provide the primary links between isolated ranching lands and the natural topography.