It will be hard to forget our family outing to Folsom Lake last February. Not only was it Super Bowl Sunday for this long-suffering Seahawks fan, it was also a stark reminder of the drought impact to our region. The lake looked more like a desert/archeological paradise.

When I watched son RJ inspecting ruins from the 1850s Gold Rush community of Mormon Island, I was struck with what a rare opportunity we were experiencing. After all, these ruins had spent generations underwater. It was also disconcerting; because this multi-year drought was (and continues to) threaten our state’s farms, cities and environment.

My recent return trip to Folsom Lake showed more than a glimmer of hope. The marina at Brown’s Ravine – a short walk from Mormon Island – is starting to fill. The Park Rangers I spoke with said they were enjoying seeing the rapid rise in the water level. At last report, Folsom Lake reached 85 percent of it’s historical average.

The winter view has improved throughout the Sacramento Valley. Whoever thought things like puddles and mud would look so beautiful? I’m quite sure our millions of ducks, geese and other winter travelers along the Pacific Flyway would agree.