When I sat down this morning to sift through the news in the Land Desk realm I got depressed and then even more so. It’s grim out there. The Hermits Peak Megafire continues its devastating march across New Mexico.

Rep. Roger Montoya @rogerfornm

🔥 FIRE UPDATE (10:30 AM)-- The wildfire burning near Mora & Las Vegas NM has burned 176,273 acres, with a 21% containment, and 1535 heroic firefighters in the front lines. WSW Winds projected: 60 MPH causing EXTREME fire conditions. #hermitspeakfire #CalfCanyonFire #nmfire

May 8th 2022

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Lake Mead’s receding waters revealed another body.

Los Angeles Times @latimes

More human remains have been found in Lake Mead as the lake continues to recede amid drought conditions. The discovery comes a week after boaters found buried in mud a barrel containing skeletal remains. More human remains found in Lake Mead, which continues to recede amid droughtThe discovery comes a week after boaters found buried in mud a barrel containing skeletal remains. Police said the remains are likely those of a gunshot victim.latimes.com

May 9th 2022

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And whatever snow is left in the Colorado River watershed is likely to melt pretty quickly given the high winds, dust, and warm temperatures. Check out this satellite image of fire smoke and dust.

NWS Grand Junction @NWSGJT

Satellite imagery is showing a decent plume of dust heading into the southeast San Juan range as winds gusts in the 45 to 65 mph range. #cowx

May 8th 2022

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It basically makes for a non-stop aridification watch. Blargh. So, I figured I’d put some pretty pictures up here, instead. The first person who correctly identifies each picture (as specified in the respective captions), will get a free year-long Land Desk paid-subscription for themselves or a friend of their choice. That is to say: There are THREE free subs up for grabs here, folks!

Put your answers in the comments section, please!

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