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Covering 21,676 acres, this cypress and hardwood bottomland swamp in the Missouri boot heel is all that remains of more than 2.5 million acres that was drained a century ago. Mingo is a little piece of paradise for anglers, bird watchers and waterfowl hunters. During the annual migration, some 95 different species of migratory birds find their way to the marshes and forests. In winter, 150,000 ducks, 75,000 geese and 250 species of other birds make their home here.

Peabody Energy, the world's largest coal company, is seeking to build a massive dirty coal plant upwind of the Mingo Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's formal air modeling analysis found that pollution from the proposed plant's 700-foot smokestack would have an "adverse impact" on air quality and visibility in the refuge. That in turn could affect the wildlife and recreational opportunities that Mingo supports.

Despite the finding, however, Illinois EPA issued an air pollution permit for the coal plant. Sierra Club and coalition partners across three states have filed an appeal of the air pollution permit. Through grassroots efforts ranging from canoe outings to Mingo, rallies for clean air to shareholder actions, we are putting pressure on decision-makers to support clean, renewable energy sources instead of dirty, outdated coal technology. Working together, we can achieve healthier communities and preserve special places like Mingo.

For more information contact Jill Miller (314) 645-2032.