Pelican Island was the last breeding ground for brown pelicans along the entire east coast of Florida and it was here that a stand was made. Urged on by a German immigrant named Paul Kroegel, many prominent people rallied around this small island to spearhead the protection of the last remaining areas vital to the survival of wildlife. Under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, wildlife protection became a national interest, and for the first time, was based upon wildlife's intrinsic worth rather than its utilitarian value. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge , the birthplace of the magnificent National Wildlife Refuge System, is threatened once again. This historic jewel is losing its luster as it falls under the shadow of development.
Waves continue to erode away the island's shoreline and alien plants are invading precious habitat.