Dirk Charley

Dirk is a man of many talents and skills. He is a Mono/Yokut from the South/Central Sierra Nevada. His knowledge, familiarity and friendships with most tribes, in this part of the world, will help us gain a better understanding of the local vibrant Native American community and culture. He will contribute some unique insights and perspectives on the mutual benefits of the use of good fire on resilient landscapes.

As a retired U.S. Forest Service employee, his breath of experience in wild land fire /Emergency management provides a solid foundation when working as a Fire Tribal Liaison on major incidents throughout California and nationwide. He currently serves as a Call When Needed, Fire Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sierra National Forest which enables him to work smoothly with Incident Command Teams. He’s made a positive impact by contributing his considerable expertise/experience in Wild Land Fire / Prescribed fire management.

In addition, to his diverse Forest Service career he’s known as a knowledgeable, and competent human resources specialist; a resourceful equal employment manager and a smooth speaking public affairs officer for the Sierra NF. His style of communications helps him get his message across. He’s frequently called upon to serve as training cadre member for many groups and organizations.

He’s currently working as a cultural burner/safety officer with the North Fork Mono Tribes’ Natural & Cultural Resources Team and as a Co-Lead with the Sierra Sequoia Burn Cooperative (SSBC). He understands the roles and responsibilities that goes along with both fire use methods and he helps build a common understanding of the partnerships needed to accomplish the task. He is a former tribal council member and secretary for his tribe, Dunlap Band of Mono Indians and has a firm grasp on tribal governmental affairs and processes. He’s a former executive director of the nonprofit organization, Dunlap Band of Mono Indians – Historical Preservation Society.

Former owner/operator of “Common Grounds”, an Italian deli/coffee shop in Reedley, CA. and is a proud U.S. Navy veteran (Vietnam Era). He has gained a reputation for helping others by receiving the 2022 American Red Cross, Regional Good Neighbor Award; a 2024 Heritage Award from the Society of California Archeologists (SCA) and was most recently recognized as the 2025 Community Hero Award by the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. All of these skills enable him to relate to the audience in a fun, informative and entertaining manner.