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 second season, Commission employees including seasonal harvesting staff started safety training this week (May 15th), and began transporting machines from their winter storage facility to the lake. Harvesting will begin by the end of the week.
The program for 2023 will be the same as 2022. Floating weeds will be collected on Fridays and Mondays. Prior to 2022 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.