Moist and wet tundra meadows are the dominant vegetation. Mosses, sedges, and low-growing shrubs cover most of the area. Alder and willows and, in scattered places, stunted spruce and birch grow along the major rivers and streams. Bristol Bay provides staging and migration habitat for large numbers of waterfowl. Ospreys occur more frequently in this Section than in other areas of Alaska.
Blackpoll warblers are common breeders in conifer stands in the northern portion.
Brown bears are common, partially in response to the large salmon runs in this area. Bristol Bay supports the largest run of sockeye salmon in the world. Rainbow trout are a common resident fish in the northern part of this Section. The growing season is approximately from May 15 to September 10. Surface Water Characteristics.