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2019 Map of Turtle Lake

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Turtle Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Turtle Lake and the surrounding glacial basins of Chester Township define this modern landscape of northern Michigan. The terrain is characterized by a dense concentration of interior lakes, including Opal Lake, Big Bass Lake, and Emerald Lake, many of which are connected by a network of seasonal streams like Turtle Cr and Chub Creek. Historically, this region is part of the high-elevation pine barrens, evidenced by the presence of Rosecrans Hill and the winding course of the North Branch Au Sable River in the southeast corner.

Modern land use is reflected in features like the Ram Net Ranch and a complex system of local access roads such as Old State Rd and Turtle Lake Rd. The map illustrates how residential and recreational properties have integrated with the natural wetlands, particularly around Town Line Lake and Linton Lake. This detailed record captures the balance between seasonal recreation and the conservation of the Au Sable River's upper reaches.