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. The NJDEP developed an Aquatic Invasive Species Management plan that can be downloaded HERE.
A number of non-native animals can be found in New Jersey. More information about NJ invasive animals and insects can be found 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.
On January 8th, 2026, the State of New Jersey passed the Invasive Species Management Act. The new law establishes a comprehensive framework and creates a permanent New Jersey Invasive Species Council to guide science-based policy, education, and management statewide. It restricts the unregulated sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of designated invasive species while giving nurseries, growers, land managers, and municipalities realistic timelines to comply.
The law-
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Prohibits unregulated sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of listed invasive species
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Establishes the NJ Invasive Species Council to guide policy, research, and education
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The New Jersey Invasive Species Council shall make recommendations to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Agriculture regarding invasive species
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Provides technical assistance and educational resources for industry transition
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Creates mechanisms for ongoing species assessment and permit applications