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Purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea Nutt.) is a native warm season bunch grass that is quickly gaining attention in western Kansas on The Nature Conservancy�s Smoky Valley Ranch. We see a decrease in grazing/clipping pressure on this bunch grass, upon maturity, due to poor forage quality and extreme unpalatability for cattle (Bos Taurus) and Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). This decrease in grazing/clipping has led to near monocultures that cause negative impacts to the prairie ecosystem. Prairie dogs, a keystone species for this ecosystem, are being �choked� out by these near monocultures and searching for better quality habitat. The issue is, purple threeawn readily takes over prairie dog colonies due to the heavy disturbance. This directly affects many species on the ranch that rely on the prairie dogs for habitat and/or food including the Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), North America�s most endangered mammal. This study will aim to determine a large-scale management strategy using natural processes such as fire and grazing to decrease purple threeawn. Late summer burns have shown to be the most effective at reducing purple threeawn cover. This study will look at the effects of high intensity grazing by cattle, at season long and short duration as well as the effects of clipping by prairie dogs, post burn. Live crown density, number of reproductive stems of purple threeawn and species composition will be measured to detect any change. With an appropriate management plan, action can be taken against purple threeawn to increase forge quality and maximize cattle gains while creating better quality habitat for prairie dogs and all the organisms that rely on them.