An investigation in 1960 reported on the physical characteristics of the lake, wildlife observed and public use, but made no recommendation concerning continued federal protection of the area. Similarly, an evaluation in 1971 recognized the lake's importance as a waterfowl staging area, but made no recommendations for future protection. An evaluation in 1972 recommended that the Sanctuary be retained because of its value to breeding waterfowl. The major land-use conflict is the intensive grazing of the shoreline and uplands. The Neely Lake Community Pasture occupies 21 quarter sections of land on the east side of the lake.
Crown land adjoining the west side of the lake is leased by local farmers for pasture.
Pasture improvement has occurred on the drier parts of the adjacent land previously covered by the lake. The Sanctuary was posted with four migratory bird sanctuary signs in 1960 and additional signs in 1983. Neely Lake is patrolled in the fall by conservation officers of the Saskatchewan Department of Parks and Renewable Resources. References Gollop, J.B. 1957. Unpublished report, Canadian Wildlife Service, Saskatoon.