Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve Act of 1979

Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve Act of 1979 - Establishes the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve comprising specified lands, waters, and interests in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Designates specified areas within the Reserve as special conservation areas.

Establishes a Prairie National Parkway on existing roads between Marysville, Kansas and Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

Establishes the Tallgrass Prairie Planning Commission comprising members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior upon the recommendation of the Governors of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Directs the Commission to prepare and periodically update a comprehensive plan for the management and use of the nonfederally owned lands and waters within specified counties.

Sets forth land acquisition limitations regarding such special conservation areas.

Grants the Secretary a right of first refusal on all lands within the special conservation areas.

Directs the Secretary to administer the lands, waters, and interests within the special conservation areas.

Authorizes the Secretary to establish such special conservation areas as part of either a national park or national preserve whenever the interests in such areas constitute an administratively feasible management unit.

Permits the Secretary to lease acquired lands for livestock grazing and other purposes under specified conditions.

Permits the Secretary to enter into contracts with local landowners, conservation districts, or other governmental agencies for prairie restoration or enhancement on lands within or associated with such special conservation areas.

Directs the Secretary to consult with the Commission and units of local government regarding continued access through special conservation areas and other public services.

Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a plan for an outreach and public information program to keep the community up to date on the status of the park.

Sets forth reimbursement procedures for lost local real property taxes where lands previously taxed are acquired by the United States for inclusion in such Reserve.

Grants the Secretary and the Commission the opportunity to review and comment upon any proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking within such Reserve.

Prohibits the construction of bulk electric power transmission lines, microwave transmission facilities and pipelines within any special conservation area except under specified conditions.