The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is launching a first-of-its-kind effort to plan water trails in the Greater Des Moines area.

The idea: Come up with a master plan for 150 miles of creeks and rivers, including better maps and signs. You can do your part, share an opinion and have some fun by using the MPO’s game-like website atwatertrails.designmydsm.com.

The MPO is doing the work on behalf of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Once complete in the fall of 2016, the master plan will provide regional vision for individuals, governments and other organizations to team up to improve the region’s waterways. The goals are better recreation, enhanced conservation and a nice boost for the economy.

One of Greater Des Moines’ most high-profile developers, Rick Tollakson, Hubbell Realty Co. president and CEO, is chairing the steering committee. “Des Moines was established as river town,” said Tollakson. “This community conversation invites the public to reconnect with our river roots.”

The work will include a review of the rivers and creeks as they are, coming up with goals and a vision for the area, and compiling a report. The MPO will seek public comment, said spokesman Gunnar Olson.

The planning process will include a review of existing conditions and public opinion will be sought throughout the process. Activities are planned this summer to engage the public in dialogue about the future of the region’s waterways.

The study area includes portions of the Des Moines, Raccoon and South Skunk, North and Middle rivers, and Beaver and Walnut creeks.

Public events, including speakers and paddling trips, begin Saturday with an art installation by artist Mary Mattingly and other offerings at Water Works Park. Read a full list of events and a detailed explanation of the water trail report.