Like many Coloradoans, I am concerned about wildfires and the resulting devastation to our watersheds, ecosystems, infrastructure, and tourism. Millions of taxpayer dollars go to fighting large wildfires. Tania Schoennagel, a fire ecologist, recently testified at a congressional hearing, "Wildfires in the West have increased in size and intensity in recent decades, and that trend is expected to worsen as climate change continues". Droughts and a warming climate leave Colorado's forests vulnerable to beetle kill, exasperating the wild fire threat. A drive through Wolf Creek Pass makes your heart sink at the devastation.

"Forest upkeep is cheaper than wildfire suppression and aftermath cleanup" states Rep. Scott Tipton, adding "It's far more efficient and cost effective to proactively manage our forests." While I agree with this logic, wouldn't it make more sense to address the root cause of our forests' weakened defenses - global warming? To be proactive in managing our greenhouse gasses calls for for long term protection to our forests.

I have studied Tipton's voting record and can find no proactive actions to address the root cause that multiplies the future probability of longer fire seasons and increased fire risk. We need more than temporary band aid solutions for our forests.

I ask Mr. Tipton to join the growing group of Congressional Representatives committed to addressing global warming- The House Climate Solutions Caucus, which generates bipartisan legislative pursuits to fight climate change. We need your leadership in looking at the big picture problem.

Susan Atkinson

Durango