Precambrian shield formations underlie most of the area, with rock formations largely controlling drainage. Rock outcroppings are common in the northwest corner and on the east side. There are numerous moraines and eskers from glaciation. Many wetlands such as bogs, fens, swamps, and marshes occur in this region. The dominant tree species are spruce, jack pine, poplar, and birch.
Common wildlife includes moose, black bear, beaver, and spruce grouse.
Most people make their living by hunting, trapping, fishing, lumbering, or mining. Resource industry cities, towns, and communities such as The Pas, Flin Flon, Thompson, and Lynn Lake are located here. This region lies in the southcentral portion of the province, extending from the Saskatchewan border through the Interlake to the west edge of Lake Winnipeg. It, too, has a boreal climate. Geologically, the area is composed largely of limestone and shale overlain by deposits of silt and clay from glacial Lake Agassiz.