[Fraxinus]

Yellow pine could be any of a number of 2-3 needled pines. In this case it is probably pitch or loblolly pine, both of which grow in south Jersey and Delaware. It also could be Virginia pine which in the uncommon case it is usable for timber is sold as southern yellow pine.

Probably was preserved by anoxic mud and water so polluted that almost all decay organisms cannot live.

[GladesGuru]

“Probably was preserved by anoxic mud and water so polluted that almost all decay organisms cannot live.”

Anoxic conditions are the key, as wood has been recovered from clear trout and salmon waters where pollution is not a significant issue.