Originally founded in 1996 by a group of volunteers, the Friends of Rydell Refuge Association was a community-based organization dedicated to assisting with the management, promotion and interpretation of Rydell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In 1997, the Friends applied for and received 501c(3) non-profit status.

In 2015, the Friends adopted the Glacial Ridge NWR and began referring to the organization as the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association or FRGRRA. The mission statement now includes the addition of Glacial Ridge NWR:

To promote a better understanding, appreciation and accessibility of Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWRs for people of all ages and abilities.

Additionally, Rydell and Glacial Ridge NWRs are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whose mission statement is:

“…to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”