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 fifth season, the Commission’s harvesting staff will complete safety training the week of May 4th, and will begin harvesting along the shoreline of Hopatcong State Park.
The program for 2026 will be similar to 2025. After initial safety training one group of harvesters will harvest south of Brady Bridge and one group will harvest north of the bridge. Floating weeds will be collected on Fridays and Mondays. The Commission will provide an estimated harvesting schedule in two-week blocks throughout the summer. The schedule is subject to change dependent on weather, staffing, and mechanical breakdowns.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE
May 4th – May 15th Harvesting employees are transporting the weed harvesters to Lake Hopatcong. Safety training/harvesting will occur near Hopatcong State Park.
May 18th – May 22nd Harvesting operators have completed safety training and are working in King Cove and along the south side of Bertrand Island.
May 26th – May 29th Harvesters are working in Landing Channel, Clambake Point, and King Cove.
June 1st – June 12th Harvesters are working in King Cove and near Silver Springs, Clambake Point, and the beginning of Landing Channel. One machine will head north and begin harvesting in the area around Brandt Island and North Island.
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.