Quercus acerifolia

Primary threats to Maple-leaved Oak are land use change and degradation, potential destruction of habitat and scientific specimen collection. The subpopulation at Sugarloaf Mountain in Sebastian County, which holds more than half of the total number of individuals, lies on privately owned land where no protective status or conservation agreement exists, as of 2003. Unrestricted access and recreational use of the site (resulting in camping, use of all-terrain vehicles and deposition of refuse and litter), as well as shale mining activity and electric tower construction, pose moderate threats. Furthermore, the private and unprotected nature of the land makes it vulnerable to development and destruction by future landowners. 

Following Western settlement of the area, changes to the ecology of Magazine Mountain (where the second largest and best-documented occurrence is found) have disrupted the disturbance regime of the site. Suppression of fire has lead to a decline in the early successional open-canopy woodland in which Quercus acerifolia thrives. 

Recent reports of a cynipid wasp possibly impacting acorn production at the Magazine Mountain location suggest another possible threat to this occurrence.

The Magazine Mountain occurrence, despite its proximity to recreation areas and campgrounds, is largely protected within the Magazine Mountain State Park, which strictly enforces rules regarding the plants. Occurrences at Pryor Mountain and Porter Mountain are located in remote areas with difficult terrain within the Quachita National Forest, and face little threat from human interference. The Porter Mountain site is further protected due to its inclusion in the Caney Creek Wilderness Area.

Quercus acerifolia is listed by NatureServe and the state of Arkansas as Critically Imperiled (G1S1), but it has not been federally listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Collection and propagation efforts are currently underway by several botanic gardens to support and maintain ex situ conservation of this species.

Additional research is need to examine the scope and severity of the cynipid wasp suspected to be impacting acorn production at at least one locality.

Efforts to arrange a protective agreement or conservation easement with the private landowners of Sugarloaf Mountain should be pursued, if not already in place.