In January 2022, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) transferred harvesting employees and ownership of the harvesting equipment to the Lake Hopatcong Commission (the Commission). Now in its fourth season, Commission employees including seasonal harvesting staff will complete safety training the week of June 2nd, and will begin harvesting along the shoreline of Hopatcong State Park.
The program for 2025 will be the same as 2024. Floating weeds will be collected on Fridays and Mondays. The Commission will provide an estimated harvesting schedule in two-week blocks throughout the summer. Generally, the harvesters will move from the southern part of the lake toward the north. If deemed appropriate based on weed growth throughout the lake, the fleet may split between northern and southern areas of the lake. The schedule is subject to change dependent on weather, staffing, and mechanical breakdowns.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE
May 27th – June 6th Harvesting employees are transporting the weed harvesters to Lake Hopatcong. Safety training for employees will begin and carry into the week of June 2nd. Safety training/harvesting will occur near Hopatcong State Park. Beginning Wednesday June 4th, one machine will move to the Nolan’s Point area to address excess aquatic weed growth.
June 9 – June 20th Harvesting employees have completed safety training. One harvester will work near Bed Bug Island, Ingram Cove, & Point Pleasant. One harvester will go to Crescent Cove and one to two harvesters will remain in the Nolan’s Point, Castle Rock & Halsey Island area to address excess weed growth.
June 23rd – July 3rd Harvesters will operate between the west side of Halsey Island and east side of Raccoon Island to Sunrise Bay. They will also complete the east side of Halsey Island to East Shore Estates.
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.