The term "township" in general technical terms refers to a specific unit of land measurement and organization, particularly important in surveying and land ownership. It's a key element in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a grid-based system used in much of the United States to divide and identify land.
Imagine a giant chessboard laid across the landscape – that's essentially what the PLSS is. This system divides land into:
To pinpoint a specific piece of land, the PLSS uses a combination of these components:
For example, a well located in Section 10, Township 2 North, Range 1 West, would be found in a square mile area within a township located two townships north of the baseline and one range west of the principal meridian.
The PLSS doesn't stop at the section level. Each section is further divided into:
Knowing the township, range, and section of a well is crucial for:
The Public Land Survey System has been a cornerstone of land management in the United States for centuries. It provides a standardized way to identify and describe land, which is essential for property transactions, legal matters, and resource management. The township remains a fundamental unit within this system, ensuring clarity and organization in land use and ownership.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What is the primary purpose of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS)?
a) To create a uniform method for measuring and describing land in the US. b) To ensure fair land distribution during the westward expansion. c) To map the natural resources found in different regions. d) To establish standardized building codes for different land areas.
a) To create a uniform method for measuring and describing land in the US.
2. How large is a single township in the PLSS?
a) 1 square mile b) 36 square miles c) 6 square miles d) 160 acres
b) 36 square miles
3. Which of the following is NOT a component used to locate a specific piece of land within the PLSS?
a) Township b) Range c) County d) Section
c) County
4. What is the smallest unit of land measurement used within the PLSS?
a) Quarter section b) Quarter-quarter section c) Section d) Township
b) Quarter-quarter section
5. Why is the location of a well important in terms of the PLSS?
a) It helps identify the well's owner. b) It helps manage groundwater resources. c) It helps prevent contamination. d) All of the above.
d) All of the above.
Instructions: A well is located at Section 16, Township 3 South, Range 2 East.
1. Using the information above, describe the well's location in relation to the baseline and principal meridian.
2. Explain how the well's location can be important for managing groundwater resources.
1. The well is located three townships south of the baseline and two ranges east of the principal meridian. It is located within Section 16 of that specific township.
2. Knowing the well's location within the PLSS grid helps determine its proximity to other wells, potential sources of contamination, and the overall groundwater flow patterns in the area. This information is crucial for managing water extraction rates, preventing over-pumping, and protecting water quality.
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