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1961 Map of Turner Ranch

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Turner Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Turner Island dominates this Central Valley landscape, defined by a complex network of waterways managed for agriculture and conservation. The San Joaquin River snakes along the southern portion of the quadrangle, flanked by numerous diversions like the Pick Anderson Ditch and San Juan Canal. This intricate irrigation system, including the East Side Canal and several bypasses, illustrates the mid-century engineering required to transform the arid valley into productive ranching and farming land.

Large landholdings and private recreational clubs characterize the area's human geography. Established operations such as Crane Ranch, McNamara Ranch, and the Turner Ranch sit alongside sportsman destinations like the Flynn Duck Club and Visalia Duck Club. The eastern edge of the map features the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting the early efforts to preserve wetlands amidst intensive water management. The presence of the Grant Boundary and the historic Sanjon De Santa Rita land grant reflect older California property divisions still influencing the landscape in the 1960s.