Northeast Florida is one of the fastest growing regions in the state. The populations of St. Johns County and the adjacent Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties have grown 20% since 1990 and are projected to grow an additional 20% by 2010. Nearly 1,339,800 people live within 50 miles of GTM Research Reserve, including the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palatka, Daytona and New Smyrna.

Increasing development is most likely to affect the timing, quantity and quality of water entering Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. Flagler County's population increased 53% from 2001-2006. The population of St. Johns County grew 47% from 1990 to 2000. The residential development and infrastructure needed to support this population will increase the amount of impervious surface in the watershed and adversely affect levels of nonpoint source pollution.

GTM Research Reserve must work cooperatively with local, state and national partners to reduce the impact of watershed landuse on coastal resources by identifying priority pollutants and encouraging best management practices.