In 1917 and 1918, Dr. R.M. Anderson, a zoologist, recommended that the lakes be considered a permanent sanctuary. In 1947, two wildlife officials, one federal and one provincial, inspected and decided the sanctuary would be retained. Further inspection in 1949-1950 revised the sanctuary boundary to only water area and the island inside it. This meant the loss of 967 hectares of upland nesting cover. The Humboldt, Saskatchewan R.C.M.P. patrols the area in spring, summer and fall.
Conservation officers patrol the area during hunting season.