ATLANTA — Former Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe D. Tanner has died, the agency said.
The DNR shared the news on Facebook, saying he died Sunday, Nov. 24. Tanner was appointed to the position in 1972, serving as commissioner until 1984, and then again from 1990 to 1995.
"Throughout his 26-year career in state government, Tanner consolidated 38 state agencies into the DNR and was responsible for more than 400 legislative efforts," Georgia DNR shared in its Facebook post. "Among his notable achievements was the creation of the Safe Dams Act following the Toccoa Falls dam failure in 1977."
The DNR added Tanner played a pivotal role in simplifying the process for federal and state permits with the establishment of the state's single-point environmental permitting system.
"Known for his dedication to the law and the environment as well as his compassion, Tanner's legacy includes policies that have fostered protection for Georgia's ecosystems and resources statewide," the Georgia DNR shared.
Gov. Brian Kemp shared the news about Tanner's death on the X platform, asking for Georgians to keep his family in everyone's hearts and prayers.
"The first and longest serving commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, his 26 combined years of service to the state were groundbreaking and set a precedence of excellence that the department continues to strive for today," he said. "The impact he had in protecting Georgia's natural wonders and the history he made will not soon be forgotten."
The Georgia DNR said services for Tanner are tentatively set for Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Georgia.
