Lake Mead is a huge freshwater lake in the middle of the desert. Climate change and continued drought have caused the Colorado River to divert upstream and the increasing demand for water resources downstream, causing the lake to dry up and face the risk of desertification. A bird's eye view of Lake Mead, November 1985 In 1964, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established and provides services all year round. The area has developed a variety of tourist and leisure projects including boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, etc. At the same time, the lake's rocky cliffs, beaches and other peculiar landforms have also become a good place for adventure. There are many small and medium-sized islands in the center of the lake, and some people have even created small botanical gardens.