I'm not one for giving criticism Emily but I will tell you how I might process this in PS CS3 if it is from a RAW file. For a RAW file I think I'd try a double processing technique so as to handle that blown out sky if it's not too blown out in the original. Process first for the foreground and then again to darken the sky. Then combine the two images with a layer mask. I have it all written down so I don't forget how to do it I'd note you with the instructions if you want. I don't think it will work in PSP 12. it's just easier for me to process RAW in CS3 (and now CS5 since I bought the upgrade )
All in all I really like the image except for the blown out sky--it has fantastic color and I think it's exposed about right with nice detail and clarity.
I can't get over the vibrance of the leaves. The colour is so fiery it looks like a block of skyscrapers caught in an inferno. I think the burned sky works too for this picture and I'm glad you kept it in. If you'd taken a shorter exposure and blended the top half with a darker sky then the picture may have lost some of its charm.
All in all I really like the image except for the blown out sky--it has fantastic color and I think it's exposed about right with nice detail and clarity.
i hope that helps some