(1) The Oregon Conservation Corps Program is established for the purposes of:
(a) Reducing the risk wildfire poses to communities and critical infrastructure.
(b) Helping to create fire-adapted communities.
(c) Engaging youth and young adults in workforce training.
(2) Youth and young adults between 16 years of age and 26 years of age who have been qualified by a youth development organization may participate in projects undertaken by the corps.
(3) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, participants in projects undertaken by the corps:
(a) Are not employees of the corps.
(b) Are exempt from prevailing wage laws.
(c) Must receive compensation for their participation of at least minimum wage or an allowance or stipend that, when combined with other sources of payment the participant is eligible to receive, including academic credit or an AmeriCorps education award, is equivalent to the value of minimum wage.