Cook's Ferry testimony in 1913 described reserves 12 through 15 in Highland Valley as hay and meadow lands. The people used them seasonally — cutting hay, wintering cattle, then returning to the home village in spring.
An 1889 O'Reilly record, reproduced in a later report, says the Highland Valley reserves were "valuable for swamp hay" and had been occupied for many years. A 2008 historical report describes how the community used both the riverine lands and these high meadows for hay, grazing, trout fishing, and other resources.
The testimony describes how access to open range beyond the reserves was important for keeping horses and cattle.