Bill Tripp

Bill Tripp is the director of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy for the Karuk Tribe, Department of Natural Resources (KDNR). Tripp started burning with his tribal elders when he was 4 years old. The lessons learned in that time inspired him to dedicate his life’s work to helping bring fire back to the people. 

In addition to leading the KDNR, Tripp holds various roles related to fire stewardship including: co-lead of the Western Klamath Restoration Partnership; advisor to the Indigenous Peoples Burning Network; co-chair of the Western Region Strategy Committee; speaker of the board for the Indigenous Stewardship Network, a steering committee member for the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council; chair of the Intertribal Timber Council’s (ITC) Fire Subcommittee; ITC principle on the Wildland Fire Leadership Council; and commission member representing tribal interests on the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. Tripp worked for 28 fire years (1994-2022) representing Karuk Tribal interest on extended attack wildfires in the Klamath Mountains. As a cultural fire practitioner, and department director, he works to diligently to revitalize indigenous fire cultures. In recognition of this life-long commitment, coupled with its cumulative impact, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Sciences from Cal-Poly Humboldt in 2025.