501(c)(3) Non-Profit · Packwood, WA
High Valley
Community Resilience
Reach-wide habitat restoration and flood resilience along the Cowlitz River corridor—coordinating landowners, securing grants, and partnering with county, tribal, state, and federal agencies to protect High Valley.
About Us
Who We Are
Our Mission
High Valley Community Resilience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-scale flood resilience, emergency response, and preventative river restoration along the Cowlitz River corridor in Packwood, WA. We shift from reactive, emergency flood fighting to a preventative, reach-wide resilience strategy—coordinating landowners, serving as the primary vehicle for fundraising and grant acquisition, and partnering with county, tribal, state, and federal agencies.
Our Story
A major flood on December 8, 2025 posed an imminent threat to homes. Residents mobilized for an emergency 14-day construction of an armored embankment, preventing catastrophic loss. That event was the catalyst for HVCR's formation. We continue to pursue habitat-forward restoration with flood protection co-benefits, addressing imminent risk to life and property while advancing a reach-wide, holistic river system solution in the Upper Cowlitz.
Our Community
Packwood sits at the confluence of the Cowlitz River and several tributaries in the shadow of Mount Rainier. Our small, tight-knit community of roughly 1,000 residents faces real flood risk—and we face it together.
Our Board
HVCR is led by a volunteer board of Packwood residents committed to our community's safety and future.
Donna O'Claire
President
Jeaneva Hallett
Treasurer
Matt Hallett
Secretary
What We Do
Our Projects
From reach-scale habitat restoration and bioengineered bank stabilization to long-term community resilience, we work on multiple fronts to protect the Upper Cowlitz and Packwood.
Habitat Restoration & Flood Risk Reduction
Reach-scale habitat restoration and flood risk reduction in the Upper Cowlitz: strategic improvements that increase channel complexity, fish and habitat diversity, and community preparedness.
Reach-Scale Restoration & Partnerships
WDFW- and LCFRB-aligned bioengineered bank stabilization in the Muddy Fork reach: Hybrid Deflector Jams, engineered log jams, and complex margin habitat that protect the community while delivering fish and habitat benefits.
Community Resilience
Building long-term community capacity through emergency preparedness education, neighbor-to-neighbor networks, and advocacy for sustainable land-use and habitat-friendly policies in the High Valley area.
Take Action
Get Involved
Packwood is a community that takes care of its own. Here's how you can be part of the effort.
Volunteer
Join your neighbors in hands-on work — from levee monitoring to community events. Every pair of hands makes a difference in a town our size.
Donate
Your donation directly funds flood mitigation and levee repair in Packwood. Every dollar stays in the community.
Attend Meetings
Community meetings are open to all Packwood residents. Stay informed, share your concerns, and help shape our flood resilience strategy.
Questions? Reach out at info@hvcr.org