Le-Conte Woodmanston Plantation has locked its wrought iron gate, opening for appointment tours only.
In July Mary Beth Evans, executive vice president of the LeConte-Woodmanston Foundation, announced part  of the plantation would be closed while the board searched for funding for a full-time, paid staff and sustainable future.
Evans said the board was still working on the master plan, but lack of  funds and the recent vandalism forced extra security.
Jennifer Heider Buehler, the foundations development director and secretary, said “We had some vandalism. We had some theft and we have found an increase of trash at floodgate pond which is a shame...”
Evans said among the items stolen was a lawnmower and tools. Buehler said she wants to put the word out that the site is not abandoned.
Buehler said access to LeConte requires setting up an appointment for a tour or prior authorization by a board member for volunteer, research and other purposes
Even more changes are forthcoming to Le-Conte as Evans said she is resigning due to personal and physical reasons, effective Oct. 1.