PELL CITY — Alabama Scenic River Trail Association Board of Directors met in Pell City Monday, discussing a wide range of topics related to the 631-mile trail.

The ASRT, which spans from Weiss Lake at the Alabama/Georgia border to the Gulf Coast, is the longest one-state river trail in the country. Logan Martin Lake is one of several lakes along the 631-mile journey, which was designated last year as a National Recreation Trail.

The non-profit ASRT Association tries to promote one of Alabama’s most valued resources, the Coosa River basin, for recreational purposes.

More than 30 people attended the ASRT Association quarterly meeting held at the Pell City Civic Center.

Mayor Bill Hereford welcomed the ASRT Association board and invited them back.

“Next time, we hope to have a trip planned for you,” Hereford told the board.

That trip could be sooner than later. The ASRT board endorsed a plan Monday that was proposed by members of the Pell City and Anniston Rotary International clubs.

The local Rotary clubs are trying to plan paddling trips down the ASRT, which could attract people from across to the country in an effort to raise money for its fight against polio.

Fred Couch, ASRT president, who is also a member of the Anniston Rotary Club, said he was approached by Steve Valdes, a paddler and member of the Pell City Rotary Club, about Rotary International Clubs scattered throughout the state organizing trips along the ASRT to help raise money to stamp out polio.

Couch said the Rotary Clubs will seek approval at the district and national levels.

The board unanimously approved endorsing the fundraiser, which would also raise money for non-profit ASRT Association, as well as help promote the ASRT.

Also at the quarterly meeting, Warren Johnson, who just completed paddling the ASRT both ways, spoke briefly about his journey.

Johnson suggested the ASRT Association recognize people who have completed the 631-mile journey on their Web site or by some other means, whether people complete the journey by paddling or by motorize vessels.

Johnson said one of his biggest worries while paddling the ASRT was finding a place to rest for the night.

“I stopped where there was an opportunity to stop,” he said, adding that there were times he was afraid he would be unable to find a place to camp overnight.

“Some day we’re going to have a campsite every 10 miles,” said Glenn Dean, a board member who also schedules special events along the ASRT.

Anyone wishing more information about the ASRT Association or wanting to join the organization can look on the Internet at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com

The next scheduled ASRT quarterly board meeting is at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, in Prattville.