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Written by Ellen L. Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County
After two decades of advocacy by scientists, environmental groups, land managers, and industry stakeholders, New Jersey finally enacted the Invasive Species Management Act when Governor Phil Murphy signed it into law on January 20, 2026. The law establishes a comprehensive framework to manage, restrict, and prohibit the sale, import, export and propagation of designated invasive plant species without a permit from the state Department of Agriculture. A 19-member New Jersey Invasive Species Council will be created to advise the state on invasive species identification and management, with members representing state agencies, environmental organizations, agriculture, the nursery industry, and academia. The state Department of Environmental Protection will create an online clearinghouse with information on identifying invasive species, management best practices and lists of native alternatives.
New Jersey was one of the few states without comprehensive invasive species legislation, despite recognition that non-native invasive plants were degrading forests, waterways, and farmland. Species like Japanese barberry, burning bush, and Callery pear have been freely sold for years while spreading throughout our forests and outcompeting native plants. In short, the Act formally equips New Jersey to combat invasive species that threaten native biodiversity and economic resources through regulation, coordination, and advisory support, aligning the state with neighboring states that have long had similar laws.
