08/14/2026
🌲 Back by popular demand, it's time for another Forestry Friday Spotlight!
Today, we are excited to spotlight J.P. Cromwell, Area 12 Forester.
J.P. has been with MFC for 5 years, building his entire professional career right here with our agency. A proud product of Monroe County, J.P. grew up hunting and fishing from a young age, an early passion that sparked a lifelong commitment to conserving Mississippi's natural resources for the next generation.
He attended Itawamba Community College (2016–2018) and then graduated in 2020 from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Forestry with a concentration in Wildlife Management.
As an Area Forester, J.P. wears many hats. His daily responsibilities include meeting with private landowners to provide forest management recommendations, writing management plans and CRP plans, conducting prescribed burns, wildland firefighting, operating dozers, and supervising a team of 6 personnel in his area.
When asked what he enjoys most, J.P. highlighted the camaraderie:
"The thing I enjoy most is getting to work with people who share the same values I do. Whether it is conducting a prescribed burn or fighting wildfire, I know I get to work with people who want to be a part of the greater good for our state."
His advice for future foresters?
"Make sure you have a strong work ethic. Forestry requires working outside in tough conditions, but if you have a passion for it, you'll never feel like you're going to 'work.' The key to success is the ability to listen and work with people from all backgrounds, keeping the betterment of both the individual landowner and the state in mind."
"Timber is our state's second-highest valued economic resource. Without professionals to properly manage it, we wouldn't have the timber products necessary for daily life, an abundance of recreational opportunities, or clean water to drink."
Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and hard work, J.P.!
