This ecoregion is a southern extension of the Peace River Lowland. The climate is characterized by cool, short summers and cold winters. The mean annual temperature is approximately 1°C. The mean summer temperature is 13.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -13°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges 450-550 mm. The mid-boreal mixedwood vegetation is dominated by aspen with inclusions of white spruce and aspen on better-drained sites, and black spruce and willows dominating in the poorly drained areas. Underlain by Tertiary sandstone and shale strata, much of the plain has a level to gently undulating surface, is about 750 m asl in elevation, and has several wide river valleys entrenched some 60-120 m. Its surface materials are mainly imperfectly drained clayey lacustrine sediments with some sandy fluvioglacial deltas associated with its major river systems. This low-relief plain is mainly imperfectly drained, but with a significant amount of poor drainage and about 20% organic deposits. Gleyed Solonetzic Gray Luvisolic soils are dominant in the region. Significant inclusions are Gleysolic and Organic soils. Characteristic wildlife in the region includes moose, deer, elk, black bear, wolf, marten, hare, beaver, mink, spruce grouse, and waterfowl. Land uses include forestry, hunting and trapping, recreation, and some gas and oil exploration. Approximately 14% of the region is in farmland. The major communities include Little Smoky and Sturgeon Heights. The total population of the ecoregion is approximately 4900.
This ecoregion is part of the Boreal Plains ecozone.