Western redcedar is inherantly resistant to decay even when lying on the ground. That is why it is used for fence posts and roofing as previously mentioned. In some locales a 2' diameter log may have been left behind because of heart rot which ends up turning the living tree into a drum. Sound and alive on the outside very hollow or at least punky on the inside.

With a bit of work you may be able to cut a fair number of strips out of the logs. But have a look around. Are you near an old fenceline? If this was the lower log of the tree you could find some nails or other hardware embeded in the logs.

Enjoy!

grant