To further address your question Junebug regarding

To further address your question Junebug regarding why HIMR does not centrate more on trees submerged here in the United States, below is some additional reading that might be of interest:

Do I need a permit to salvage old underwater submerged logs?
In recent years, TV shows about logging have showcased the salvage and removal of centuries-old logs from underwater. This type of log salvage work typically requires substantial planning and permitting from state and federal agencies. In North Carolina, a permit may be needed from one or more of these State agencies: the Division of Water Quality ; the Division of Coastal Management ; and/or the Division of Cultural Resources – Office of State Archaeology . Additional federal permitting is likely to be required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . In addition, there may be a question about the ownership of old, sunken logs in North Carolina. If a log has been submerged underneath "waters of the State" for an extended period of time, that log may now be legally considered as property of the State of North Carolina. Before conducting log salvage work, you should consult with the State Property Office . You should also consult with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to make sure that your boat or water vessel is properly registered and safe for use in North Carolina. A special state task force report was prepared in December 2000 that documents log salvage work in eastern North Carolina, and the report outlines some recommended best management practices (BMPs). The BMPs in the report are intended to protect sensitive aquatic habitat along the bottoms of rivers, lakes, or sounds.

http://ncforestservice.gov/managing_your_fore...ng_faq.htm

Also:

http://www.opb.org/news/article/underwater-lo...forcement/

http://www.altamahariverkeeper.org/river_news...-22_05.pdf