The refuge has a special partnership with the non-profit group, Friends of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which formed in October 2002 to support and enhance the public’s role in fish and wildlife habitat protection. Their goal is to promote public use of the refuge, along with educating visitors about the natural and cultural resources of the area. The group has sponsored events and built facilities on the refuge and represented the refuge at community and county gatherings. They also operate the bookstore in the visitor contact station. To reach a Friends member, please contact the refuge office at 218-768-2402.