This maritime-influenced ecoregion covers the north-central part of Newfoundland. The ecoregion is marked by cool summers and short, cold winters. It is the most continental part of the island. The mean annual temperature is approximately 4.5°C. The mean summer temperature is 12.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -3.5°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges 1000-1300 mm. This ecoregion is classified as having a maritime mid-boreal ecoclimate. Its forests are dominated by closed, intermediate to low stands of balsam fir and black spruce on steep, moist, upland slopes. Paper birch, aspen, and black spruce are typical of disturbed sites. Drier sites are characterized by woodlands of black spruce, kalmia heath, and lichens. Dwarf, open stands of black spruce and tamarack with ericaceous shrubs are found on raised domed bogs. Where forest growth is poor, exposure to winds and wet, cold soils are the main causes. This ecoregion is composed of a mixture of crystalline Palaeozoic strata. Where stream erosion has cut deeply, the uplands are rugged and rocky, but elsewhere they present a rolling terrain of low relief. The surface of the uplands is dominated by hummocky to ridged, sandy morainal deposits with slopes that range from 5-30% and are associated predominantly with Humo-Ferric Podzols. Significant inclusions are Ferro-Humic Podzols, Gleyed Podzols, and Brunisolic and Gleysolic soils. Characteristic wildlife includes moose, lynx, black bear, red fox, and caribou. Forestry is the principal land use in the ecoregion. The major communities include Gander, Grand Falls, Windsor, and Botwood. The population of the ecoregion is approximately 75 100.
This ecoregion is part of the Boreal Shield ecozone.