What is Invasive Wildlife?
NJ like many states in the US has a growing problem with invasive insects, and animals. Invasive animals and insects are generally free of natural enemies that would have hampered them in their native range, and produce lots of offspring, which gives them the ability to thrive and spread into new lands. Invasive species like the Spotted Lantern Fly can be very devastating to crops and hardwood trees. Information about other invasive insects of concern can be found here. Aquatic invasive species can outcompete native species becoming a significant threat. A number of non-native animals can be found in New Jersey. More information about NJ invasive animals and insects can be found here.
Although the NJ Invasive Species Council was disbanded, in 2023, the NJDEP developed an Aquatic Invasive Species Management plan that can be downloaded HERE. The NJ Invasive Species Strike Team is also actively involved in monitoring invasive species and working to eradicate them.
What is Invasive Vegetation?
NJ like many states in the US has a growing problem with non-native plants. There are ~1,000 non-native plants documented in New Jersey. While most are considered non-invasive, 134 species are invasive and another 65 show invasive potential due to future habitat changes and climate change. If a plant becomes invasive, it proliferates, spreads and takes over natural habitats outcompeting the native vegetation. The NJ Invasive Species Strike Team has resources about identifying and eradicating invasive species. Developing a do not plant list for your municipality can help curb the spread of invasives.
In 2009, NJ developed a Strategic Management Plan for Invasive Species yet to date there is no statewide legislation addressing invasive species or the control of them. A number of Municipalities have developed their own ordinances regarding invasive and native species. Examples of some of these ordinances can HERE.