Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt on August 28, 1908, as one of the first national wildlife refuges in the country. Since then, the pelican population has grown steadily. Today, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the largest nesting colonies of American white pelicans in North America, with 4,000 to 35,000 breeding birds annually. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is designated as a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy. In 1975, a large portion of the refuge was designated as wilderness. This designation limits the use of motor vehicles and equipment, which protects wildlife and habitat. It is one of only two wilderness areas in North Dakota.