The river also is an important habitat for wildlife, with otters raising families along its banks and bald eagles soaring above the water in search of a meal for their nestlings. In fact, the Farmington River Valley is currently the only place in Connecticut with nesting bald eagles. And soon, the Atlantic salmon may return to the river after an absence of decades. All these factors - recreational value, rare wildlife, outstanding fisheries, and a rich history - make the Farmington River a natural for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.