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.