The successful cleanup of brownfield properties is an important step to address environmental contamination and creates conditions that enable redevelopment of a property. The Fall 2025 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine describes how to get started with the process of remediation and redevelopment in Wisconsin and encourages communities to reach out to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) brownfield team for information and assistance.

The article features two unique projects in the state where community efforts, with support from the RR Program, are transforming brownfield properties into vibrant destinations for living, working and playing. The first project is the ongoing redevelopment of a 145-acre brownfield property in the City of Brillion into a variety of uses based on the community’s needs. A second project describes how a non-traditional approach to brownfield redevelopment led to the cleanup of the 9-acre Pickle Pond in the City of Superior, which ultimately benefitted fish and wildlife habitat while restoring recreational opportunities.

Successful brownfield redevelopment projects can be found throughout the state. To learn more about how other communities have successfully investigated, cleaned up and redeveloped many of their brownfield properties, visit the DNR’s interactive Wisconsin Brownfield Success Stories map.

For more information on brownfield redevelopment opportunities and assistance, visit the DNR Brownfields webpage.