But the stream and the fish in it are on the ragged edge, close to succumbing to the vagaries of development, namely stormwater runoff that increases when land is cleared and developed. Only about 11 percent of the watershed is paved over so far.
Biologists say that's about all the watershed can handle and still protect stream flows and fish.
The stream and its corridor of plants and trees are home to five species of salmon and dozens of species of wildlife. A 1998 study mapped out several options for protecting aquatic resources in Green Cove Creek. The report concluded that 60 percent of the forestland in the Green Cove basin needs to be preserved and stormwater controls improved to protect the aquatic resources and reduce flooding. The city and county are each trying different approaches they hope will protect Green Cove. The council supports the idea of low-impact developments and wants to see it work in Green Cove, Councilwoman Laura Ware says.