Growing season length is approximately 145-150 days. The Minnesota River runs through the middle of this subsection. The Mississippi River forms part of the eastern boundary. The other major river is the Crow River and its associated forks. This subsection has an undeveloped drainage network, due to landform characteristics.
Lakes are common.
There are over 100 lakes that are 160 acres or greater in size. Many of these are groundwater controlled with no inlets or outlets. This is primarily due to irregular topography and presence of lakes. The major conservation concern is water quality in the Minnesota River drainage area. There is a major pollution problem throughout the subsection.