The Upper Wabash Projects consisting of the Mississinewa, Salamonie, and J. Edward Roush lakes operate as a unit to reduce flood stages in the Upper Wabash Basin and with other lakes downstream in reduction of Lower Wabash and Ohio River floods. Together these three reservoir's have saved millions of dollars in flood damages.
The Corps of Engineers has developed a partnership in the management of the public lands at the three lakes. Under lease agreements, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources operates and maintains the recreation facilities and wildlife areas at the lakes, with a few exceptions where the Corps of Engineers still maintains and operates.