Climate change is totally missing from Congressman Tipton’s column on forest health and wildfires, “The truth about forest health,” (Journal, Sept. 22).

Warming temperatures (predicted for decades) dry out vegetation (both live and dead) sooner in the season, which then burns easier and faster.

Fire seasons have grown longer and fire intensity has increased as a result. Cutting more trees isn’t going to change that.

What’s misguided is denying the obvious: the climate is warming and we are responsible for it.

More wildfires are just one of the many impacts we face as a result of denial and inaction on climate change.

John Apel

Montrose