Alberta Environment has adopted an administrative structure that ensures the management and protection of Alberta's natural resources and environment within each of the department's six regions. Climate, topography, vegetation, and soil capability are highly varied throughout the Prairie Region.
Agriculture remains the dominant force in the regional economy.
An elaborate irrigation infrastructure and the presence of considerable sunshine have resulted in the intensive use of farmlands. Other dominant industries in the Prairie Region include agricultural processing, oil and gas development, timber harvesting, service industry, and tourism. The major urban centres in the Prairie Region are Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Numerous towns and villages are spread throughout the region. Settlements tend to be clustered in areas where agricultural activities are most intense.