On January 13, 1989, under Resolution 89-02, the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources established the Lake Poinsett Water Project District as a political subdivision of the state of South Dakota to protect and enhance the lands, public health and safety, general welfare and economy of the people in the district.  These efforts include promote water quality, study of shoreline erosion and watershed problems, general lake improvement efforts, to help wildlife habitat, enhancement of lands and the economy of the people in the district and the maintenance and operation of the outlet control structure.