Pond question

[gerard]

case in point, divers are harvesting logs that were logged around the turn of the last century and sank to the bottoms of waterways on their way to the mill. these logs are highly valued because they are old growth forest logs of which there aren't many (any they are allowed to log) left. the logs are in pristine and well preserved condition. the old growth grain is beautiful and sought after for expensive furniture, veneers, etc. even common woods like oak and hickory do not look the same now as they did "back in the day".

Very true but these logs are from the great lakes and are in deep cold water that minimizes bacterial/fungus action which I THINK is what actually breaks down and rots wood.