Not really a rip off considering there are people coming in from all over the country. They have to stay somewhere, and that cost gets past to the City/County/Town. Not to mention they’re working 12+ hour shifts in pretty shitty conditions, 7 days a week. But if you and your friends want to get insured, licensed and put in a bid for $10/hr you’re more than welcome to.
The extent of the clean up necessary is amazing. Parks, etc… you know the areas with big fucking trees.