The Upper Tar River Basin is recognized as one of the most important watersheds on the east coast.  It provides habitat for fourteen Federal and State rare and endangered species, including the Tar Spinymussel, Dwarf Wedgemussel, North Carolina spiny crayfish, Roanoke bass, and Carolina madtom - species that are endemic to the Tar and neighboring Neuse River Basins. Population growth statewide, particularly the expansion of the Raleigh-Durham metropololitan area into rural outlying areas, is putting the watershed and these endangered species under increasing pressure. Tar River Land Conservancy protects land along rivers and streams to improve water quality for these species, and for the communities that rely on these water sources for drinking.

The Upper Tar River Basin is nationally recognized for the number of rare and endangered aquatic species that reside in this watershed. One such species, the federally endangered Tar Spinymussel, exists in nowhere else in the world.