Chase Lake
Woodworth, ND 58496-9360
Plan Your Visit
National Wildlife Refuge System lands offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife the refuge supports by viewing and photographing scenes and wildlife from roads adjacent to the refuge.
Wilderness areas are wild, undeveloped, federally protected areas where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat, enjoy adventure and unmechanized recreation, or just relish solitude. Visitor access to the Refuge is limited to protect wildlife and its habitat. Pelicans and other bird species nest on the Refuge from April through September and are easily disturbed. These birds nest on islands which provide them the vital privacy and security needed to successfully reproduce and raise young.
Activities
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for the American white pelican and other migratory birds. Designated as a Wilderness Area in 1975, visitor activities on the Refuge are limited. The most prominent public uses at this Refuge are hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Eastern North Dakota Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wetland management districts or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges or wetland management districts. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, and fire, are centrally located and support all stations within the complex.
Rules and Policies
Help protect valuable wildlife habitat by adhering to the rules and regulations established for this Refuge.
Locations
Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge
5924 19th Street SE Woodworth, ND 58496-9360
The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge headquarters and visitor center are on the Woodworth Station Waterfowl Production Area, 2.5 miles east of Woodworth, North Dakota, and about 30 minutes northeast of the refuge.
Activities
Services
Cooperative Agriculture and Grazing
To better accomplish our grassland management objectives, we regularly utilize agricultural practices to manage and enhance habitat for wildlife. If you are interested in grazing livestock on Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, please contact the Refuge Manager at (701) 752-4218.
Special Use Permits
We issue special use permits on a case-by-case basis. Most commonly, these permits are issued for activities such as research, closed-area entrance, or other permissible activities. Our permit program ensures that such activities are carried out in a manner that minimizes impact to wildlife and maintains wilderness character. Contact the Refuge Manager to request issuance of a Special Use Permit.
About
Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the 15th refuge in the U.S. and a vital breeding ground for native birds. It hosts one of North America's largest American white pelican nesting colonies, reaching a record population of over 35,000 in 2000. In 2001, the American Bird Conservancy recognized it as one of the Top 100 Globally Important Bird Areas. The refuge is managed as part of the Eastern North Dakota Complex and supports various nesting waterbirds, including egrets, gulls, and herons.