Wide fluctuations in precipitation and temperatures for periods of years result in significant changes in biological communities. Insects and diseases are frequent disturbance features. The Section is mostly rural. Forestry, livestock grazing, mining, and localized agriculture are principal uses. Communities are mostly small.
Summer residences are common at lakes and large river systems.
Outdoor recreation in all seasons is rapidly increasing. Humans have occupied the Okanogan Highlands Section for at least 12,000 years. For the last 5,000 years, groups spent much of the year in river-oriented pithouse villages of 30 to 300 people. Hunting, salmon fishing, and root and berry collecting were the primary economic activities. They were also the backdrop for much of the social organization and spiritual beliefs.