Des Moines, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – The Urban Forestry Awards luncheon was held Tuesday, March 24, and it took time to recognize cities, college campuses and utilities for their commitment to local canopy health and environmental stewardship.

Two Northwest Iowa communities are being recognized: Arnolds Park and Spencer have been named recipients of the Tree City USA Award.

The annual honor presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recognizes four core standards: Maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day annually.

The awards will be officially presented on April 8 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

In addition to the municipal honors, regional utility providers Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy received the Tree Line USA Award for implementing quality tree-care practices while maintaining overhead utility lines across the state.