Oh this is not that uncommon - in New Zealand the main source of most native timber is from swamps. The logs are typically many thousands of years old. Kauri is especially popular. Milling native forests isn't really possible these days, what's left is either protected or in people's gardens.

Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp_kauri - kauri is a great timber for boat building but a bit heavy for kayaks.