On the eve of the 35-year anniversary of Pete Duel’s passing, a $1,000 donation was made in his name to the Wildlife Land Trust, a project of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) — from the profits collected from his fans on the sale of “Picturing Pete Duel.” Below is the response from HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle upon accepting this donation. You have contributed to Pete Duel’s legacy by having purchased this book. We like to think Pete would be proud of such an honor.

The Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates, including The Wildlife Land Trust, are dedicated to improving the position of all animals and dealing with the many complexities of human and animal interactions. As I listen to the spoken words of Pete Duel and read excerpts of his writings and poetry now nearly four decades gone, his prophetic words drive home the urgency and wisdom of all of our efforts to improve our environment and, in our specific case, to focus on animal/human relationships. Pete Duel loved his homelands of Penfield, New York, and the summers he spent in childhood in Ontario. Nearly four decades ago, he recognized the insidious affects of fragmentation of our open and wild country. He saw wildlife being driven from their homes, he saw the resources — air, land and water — being consumed and spoiled in our effort to grow, develop and consume.

The untimely death of Pete Duel in December of 1971 represented the loss of an articulate and personally committed disciple of the environment and all the species within. We are honored that those who remember Pete’s work, his intellect and his personal commitment to animals and the environment have chosen to support the work of The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust and its efforts. We try, as Pete noted, to “clean up the mess” by protecting and enhancing habitat for wildlife. We are pleased to play our small part in states across the nation to preserve and restore the “anyplaces” that Pete loved and respected. Our commitment is to protect these lands in perpetuity, and by this action to improve the lives of all wild animals and their interactions with humans. The contributions we receive are essential to this effort.

Thank you,
Wayne Pacelle
President
The Humane Society of the United States
Chairman of the Board
The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust