Typical tree species on the bog mat were black spruce, tamarack, and jack pine. Low sand ridges within the swamp were dominated by red, white, and jack pines. Balsam fir, hemlock, trembling aspen, paper birch, and several other swamp species were also found. The small ice-block depressions on the outwash plains typically contained shrub swamps or sphagnum bogs with highly depauperate flora, probably the result of commonly recurring fires and wet soil. The dominant shrub was usually leatherleaf.
Fire is the most important factor shaping the forest composition of both the uplands and wetlands.
GLO surveyors noted that more than 3 percent of the land area was recently burned, and several fires covered thousands of acres. Windthrows also occurred, but they were much smaller than the burned areas. The jack pine barrens are presently managed for pulp. Many of the wetlands are managed for wildlife. Recreational use of the area is heavy, including fishing, hunting, canoeing, and snowmobiling.