The Central Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team is an early detection & rapid response network that cooperatively addresses emerging invasive species. CJISST represents the state's first comprehensive effort toward invasive plant management through a partnership of over 50 public and private entities including federal, state, county, and municipal agencies, conservation groups, and private individuals. CJISST covers 1.6 million acres across 9 counties – Essex, Hudson, Hunterdoon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Union.

Our goals regarding emerging invasives species are: education, prevention, control, information exchange, cooperation, and mutual funding opportunities.

The Upper Raritan Watershed Association (URWA) and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) piloted CJISST in 2008, and the initiative has grown rapidly since then. We encourage any public or private agency, organization, business, or individual to contact us about joining the CJISST partnership. Together, we can Nip Invasive Species in the Bud!

To learn more, please contact CJISST project partners:
Michael Van Clef, PhD, Stewardship Director,
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space
Michael@fohvos.org or 609.730.1560

Melissa Almendinger, Invasive Species Coordinator,
Upper Raritan Watershed Association
Melissa@urwa.org or 908.234.1852