Dirk Charley
Dirk brings a remarkable range of talents and expertise to his work. A Mono/Yokut from the South/Central Sierra Nevada, his deep knowledge and extensive relationships with tribal communities throughout the region provide valuable insights into Native American culture and the mutual benefits of returning good fire to create resilient landscapes.
As a retired U.S. Forest Service professional with decades of wildland fire management experience, Dirk provides a solid foundation when serving as Fire Tribal Liaison on major incidents throughout California and nationwide. He currently serves as a Call When Needed Fire Tribal Liaison for the Sierra National Forest, working seamlessly with Incident Command Teams while contributing his considerable expertise in both wildland and prescribed fire management.
Throughout his diverse Forest Service career, Dirk became known as a skilled human resources specialist, equal employment manager, and public affairs officer for the Sierra NF. His engaging communication style and expertise make him a sought-after training cadre member for numerous groups and organizations.
Currently, he works as a cultural burner/safety officer with the North Fork Mono Tribes' Natural & Cultural Resources Team and co-leads the Sierra Sequoia Burn Cooperative, building the partnerships and shared understanding essential for implementing traditional fire practices. As a former tribal council member and secretary for the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians, he brings deep understanding of tribal governmental affairs and processes. He previously served as executive director of the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians Historical Preservation Society.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran and former owner of an Italian deli/coffee shop, Dirk has earned recognition for his commitment to helping others—including the 2022 American Red Cross Regional Good Neighbor Award, the 2024 Heritage Award from the Society of California Archeologists, and the 2025 Community Hero Award from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. These diverse experiences and achievements enable him to connect with audiences in an informative, engaging, and memorable way.