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Volunteer Amy Busch with a Water Chestnut

Why New Jersey’s New Invasive Species Law Matters to Homeowners

February 23, 2026|

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

That fast-growing shrub at the garden center might be causing more trouble than you think. Invasive plants and aquatic species can spread quickly, crowding out native ecosystems and threatening New Jersey’s forests, parks, and lakes.

To address this growing problem, the Invasive Species Management Act was passed unanimously with bipartisan support and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on January 15, 2026, his final day in office. The new legislation establishes an official list of prohibited plants and aquatic species, offering guidance for homeowners and communities on how to manage and replace them responsibly.
 
As part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, observed from February 23 to 27, 2026, we’re highlighting this new legislation and the importance of making informed choices in our own yards and neighborhoods to help protect New Jersey’s natural landscapes.
 
Why Invasive Species Matter - Beyond Your Backyard
Invasive plants rarely stay put. Once introduced, they spread beyond property lines into parks and waterways, crowding out native plants that support pollinators and wildlife. In aquatic systems, invasive species can also degrade water quality, disrupt habitat, and interfere with recreation. What begins in one backyard can quickly affect an entire watershed.
 
At Lake Hopatcong Foundation, we see these impacts firsthand in Lake Hopatcong, where invasive aquatic plants threaten water quality and the overall health of the lake. Through our Water Scouts program, trained volunteers monitor aquatic invasive species, support early detection efforts, and help educate the public. Homeowners play a critical role as well—by learning to identify invasive plants and safely remove them from their property, residents can help stop the spread before it reaches neighboring yards or local waterways.
 
What the New Law Means for Homeowners
The Invasive Species Management Act isn’t meant to make gardening harder—it’s meant to prevent common landscaping choices from causing long-term environmental harm. Under the new law in section 4c, it is illegal to sell, distribute, or plant certain invasive species in New Jersey without a permit. Some commonly purchased plants that are now regulated because they are invasive in New Jersey include Japanese barberry, burning bush, Bradford pear, Norway maple, and multiflora rose. The law also covers aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, and water chestnut, which pose serious threats to lakes, rivers, and other waterways.
 
To support implementation of the law, the legislation reestablishes the New Jersey Invasive Species Council, a 19-member panel of experts who will help guide identification, prevention, and management efforts statewide. In addition, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will launch an online resource featuring plant identification tools, recommended native alternatives, and practical guidance for residents and communities.
 
Smart Choices Make a Real Difference
Choose native plants, stay informed, and take a closer look at what’s growing in your yard. Replacing invasive species with responsible alternatives helps protect your property, support local wildlife, and strengthen the environmental health of your community. Protecting New Jersey’s natural resources can begin right outside your door.
 
Quick Tips for Homeowners
  • Check the official list of prohibited species: See the full list of regulated terrestrial and aquatic invasive plants in the Invasive Species Management Act.
  • Learn to identify invasives: Use online guides or NJDEP resources to recognize common problem plants in your yard or near local waterways.
  • Remove invasives safely: Cut, dig, or pull plants carefully and dispose of them properly to prevent seeds or fragments from spreading.
  • Plant native alternatives: Replace invasives with native shrubs, trees, and aquatic plants to support pollinators, wildlife, and soil health.
  • Protect water bodies: Avoid introducing aquatic plants and clean boats and gear after use to prevent spreading water invasives like Water chestnut or hydrilla.
  • Work with your community: Join local volunteer programs, garden clubs, or the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Water Scouts to help monitor and manage invasive species.

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