 One local resident has been named conservationist of the year by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Jim Brandt of Pine River has been volunteering for countless hours to stabilize the shoreline of Raleigh Johnson Natural and Recreational Area. The islands are located on the Upper Whitefish Lake where Jim has helped plant over 10,000 trees, shrubs and plants. Jim says the best part about winning this award was hearing about all the other projects going on around the state. See these pictures that these people are doing on their farms and all these new you know things these new methods to try to you know grow it and and be you know better for the environment and less erosion and so I mean it's really it was really enlightening. Jim has restored nearly one mile of shoreline on Big Island, Steamboat Island and Little Island. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.