Former Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe D. Tanner passed away last Sunday, according to the agency. He served as commissioner from 1972 to 1984 and again from 1990 to 1995. During his 26 years in state government, Tanner merged 38 state agencies into the DNR and initiated over 400 legislative efforts, notably creating the Safe Dams Act after the 1977 Toccoa Falls dam failure. He also simplified the permitting process with a single-point environmental system. Tanner was instrumental in forming the Department of Natural Resources by combining dozens of state agencies into what the DNR is today.  The consolidation was part of then-Governor Jimmy Carter’s reforms in state government that reduced redundancy in state governmental agencies and streamlined state agencies and services.  This week, current Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences and highlighted Tanner’s significant contributions to protecting Georgia’s natural resources. Services for Tanner are planned for next Wednesday.