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1. What is a cord of firewood?

Firewood is sold by a measurement called a "cord." A cord must equal 128 cubic feet. State law states that a cord should be “ranked and well-stowed.” That means that you should stack the wood neatly in a line or row, with pieces touching and parallel to each other and stacked compactly, minimizing air spaces between pieces. Stacking wood in a crisscross fashion falsely inflates the volume. Then measure the stack. To measure, the buyer should multiply the height, width, and length of the stack; the result should equal 128 cubic feet. Measurements taken in inches can be converted to cubic feet by dividing by 1728. The cord (not the pickup load) is the only legal unit of measure for sales of firewood in California. Most Important: Measure the wood before using any. If the cubic measurement indicates that you did not receive the correct volume, contact the seller immediately. If you’re not satisfied about the amount of wood, don’t pay for it until you are, and preferably pay for the wood by check. If the seller can't or won't correct the problem, contact the Mariposa County Department of Weights and Measures at (209) 966-2075 before you burn any wood. Time is important in these investigations; you may not be the only customer to get burned by the wood seller. Be an aware consumer – be alert. Measure first, pay when you’re satisfied, and the only thing getting burned this winter will be the wood in your fireplace!

2. How can you make sure you are getting what you pay for when buying firewood?

When you buy firewood make sure to get a receipt which shows the seller's name and address, as well as the price, the amount, and kind of wood purchased. If possible, get the seller's phone number and write down the license plate number of the delivery vehicle.

3. What is a Private Applicator Certificate (PAC) and who needs one?

A Private Applicator Certificate allows a grower to purchase and apply restricted materials on property they own or lease. The Private Applicator Certificate exam is given by our office. We have limited study materials that are available for checkout and a suggested study list. Please call to schedule an appointment. There is no fee for a PAC. The PAC certificate expires on a rotational basis. PACs can be renewed through continuing education.

4. What is an Operator ID and who needs one?

An Operator ID gives an individual a permit to purchase non-restricted materials through a commercial Pesticide Dealer. This permit is valid until December 31 of that same year and does not allow for the purchase of restricted materials.

5. What is a Pest Control Adviser?

An Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License (PCA) is required for any person who offers recommendations on pesticide use. You may pick up an application from our office with the current testing dates, locations, and fee schedule. In addition, Pest Control Advisors are required to register annually with the county they reside in and each county work is performed in. To register, bring in your DPR Pest Control Advisors License and the appropriate fee. The PCA license may be renewed every two years through continuing education.

6. Is there an application fee for a pesticide permit?

No.

7. When are pesticide use reports due?

Use reports are due in by the 10th of the month following the month in which the work was performed.

8. What is the Agricultural Pest Detection Program (Why is There a Trap in My Yard)?

From May through October, the Department conducts its annual Agricultural Pest Detection Program (Also know as the insect trapping program). Employees of the department will deploy traps that target seven different pests: Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Khapra Beetle, Glassy Winged Sharpshooter, Japanese Beetle, Gypsy Moth, European Pine Shoot Moth, and Light Brown Apple Moth.

Pest detection traps are rotated throughout the county to ensure full coverage. When traps are placed on private property, the trapper asks permission of the owner and if the owner is not available, a notice is left at the door. The cooperation of the public is necessary and appreciated in this effort to ensure a successful detection program.

"As non-native pests can damage a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants in nurseries, on farms, and in home gardens, timely detection is vital," said Mariposa County Agricultural Commissioner Cathi Boze. "If no target pests are found, the county can be certified as pest-free which enables exportation of produce and plants which is vital to our economy."

9. What do I do if I am having a raccoon, opossum or skunk problem?

Please contact the wildlife services office at (209) 966-2075 ext. 206 between 8am and 8:30am. Also you may visit the quick link to Wildlife Services.

10. Who do I contact if I find a sick or dead bird?

The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has a "State Bird Hotline" (866-922-2473) which provides information in both English and Spanish. People can call this number to quickly report sick or dead poultry, wild birds, or pet birds. The public can also obtain information on how to know when their birds are sick and how to protect their birds from disease. If you suspect mosquitoes are involved, please call 1-877-968-2473.

11. Can I bring in a spider, bug or weed to be identified?

Yes, Someone on staff can look at the specimen for possible identification. It will also be sent to a lab in Sacramento for a positive ID.

12. What payment methods are accepted by your department?

Cash and checks are the only methods of payment accepted at this time. You can make your checks payable to "Mariposa County Treasurer."

13. What is your mailing address?

Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 905 Mariposa, CA 95338

14. What is your fax number?

Our fax number is (209) 966-2056

15. I have an 18 gallon gas tank, but the pump says I put 18.5 gallons into my empty tank. Is this possible?

Yes. The capacity of your gasoline tank found in your owners manual is only an estimate. The actual volume it holds can be higher or lower than the stated capacity. If you still feel that you are being cheated, contact the County Department of Weights and Measures to file a complaint.