Koda Energy, a partnership between the Rahr Malting Co. of Shakopee and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community, was recently recognized for its corporate leadership on conservation issues in the Minnesota River Valley.

The third annual Leadership in Stewardship Award, presented by Friends of the Minnesota Valley at its annual dinner on Nov. 12, is given to a corporation that demonstrates outstanding leadership on natural resource conservation efforts within the Lower Minnesota River Watershed. Paul Kramer of Rahr Malting was on hand at the event to accept the award.

The Leadership in Stewardship Award derives its name from Friends of the Minnesota Valley’s comprehensive conservation programs designed to conserve and enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and promote increased community investment in and stewardship of the Minnesota River.

Koda Energy was selected as this year’s award recipient for producing what it terms “friendly energy” through its new biomass-fueled power plant in Shakopee. The plant will require 170,000 tons of biomass fuels per year. Byproducts from Rahr Malting will contribute 50,000 tons of the fuels. The remainder will be provided by contractors that will supply Koda Energy with local agribusiness byproducts, dried wood waste and dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass.

Friends of the Minnesota Valley’s goals are to conserve and enhance the natural resources of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1982, the Friends currently has 1,800 members. For more information on the Friends, go to www.friendsofmnvalley.org.