Lake Hopatcong Commission

2022 Weed Harvesting Schedule

In January, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) transferred harvesting employees and ownership of the harvesting equipment to the Lake Hopatcong Commission (the Commission).  After two years without a weed harvesting program on Lake Hopatcong, seasonal staff started safety training the week of May 23rd.  The harvesting staff began regular harvesting this week.

The program for 2022 will be slightly different than in past years.  Floating weeds will be collected on Fridays and Mondays.  In the past floating weeds were collected only on Fridays.  The Commission will provide an estimated harvesting schedule in two-week blocks throughout the summer.  Generally, the harvesters will move from south to north up the lake.  The schedule is subject to change dependent on weather, staffing, and mechanical breakdowns.

ESTIMATED SCHEDULE

Prior to June 6th the area between Hopatcong State Park Dam and Point Pleasant was completed as part of operator training.

Between June 6th – June 17th harvesting will continue from Point Pleasant north to Ingram Cove and Bedbug Island, and within Landing Channel, King Cove and the west shore of Bertrand Island.

Between June 21st – July 1st the nearshore conveyor and dump truck will be transported from Hopatcong State Park up to Lee’s County Park.  Harvesting will continue in Crescent Cove, Van Every Cove and the north side of Bertrand Island.

Between July 5th – July 15th harvesting will continue in Crescent Cove.

July 18th – 29th – Harvesters have moved north up the lake to Henderson Cove and Sunrise Bay (between Halsey and Raccoon Island).  Over the next two weeks they will continue harvesting this area as well as Nolan’s Point and up to Brady Bridge.

August 1 – Sept. 15th – Harvesters will continue work between Henderson Cove, Sunrise Bay, Nolan’s Point and up to Brady Bridge.

September 15th – The 2022 weed harvesting season is over.  Harvesters are being removed from the lake for maintenance and storage.

The schedule is subject to change dependent on weather, staffing, and mechanical breakdowns.  Additional scheduling information will be released at the conclusion of the prior two-week block.