An additional ten state threatened species can be found. There are three exemplary natural ecological communities found in Stoddard and Antrim. The North Branch River helps to support these environments within its corridor. The communities are an Atlantic white cedar swamp, a Southern New England level bog, and a Southern New England acidic seepage swamp. The Contoocook River is a vital component of the Merrimack River watershed anadromous fish restoration program.
Anadromous fish are fish that live in saltwater, but return to freshwater to spawn.
The Contoocook River is viewed as an outstanding nursery area for young salmon. The most significant, high quality habitat for salmon and other cold water fish are the rapids in the Hillsborough-West Henniker area. The slower moving sections of the river and impoundment areas provide excellent warm water fish habitat. The North Branch River provides habitat for cold and warm water fish. The North Branch is currently meeting the designation standards and the Contoocook River is meeting all but eleven miles of its classification.