Three houses were constructed on the island, but they were soon threatened by erosion due to the relentless southward migration of New Topsail inlet.

[3] Due to the rapid erosion and the challenges of living off-the-grid on a remote barrier island without public utilities, and no bridge or ferry service to the mainland, many landowners who had initially bought lots and planned to build homes on Lea Island abandoned the idea.

By the early 2000s efforts were underway to prevent future development on Lea Island.

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust purchased Hutaff Island in July 2021.

The island is also a prominent nesting spot for loggerhead turtles, Least Terns, American Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers and Clapper Rails.