La. Ducks Unlimited recognizes Acadian Ambulance founder

PHOTO: Richard Zuschlag (second from left) with the plaque presented to him at the recent Louisiana Ducks Unlimited state convention. Shown with Zuschlag are DU President Paul Bonderson (left) and (second from right to right) LADU State Chairman Jay Owen and Managing Director of Development Chad Manlove.
Louisiana Ducks Unlimited recognized Richard Zuschlag with the inaugural state chairman’s Ambassador to Conservation award during the DU state convention here last month.
“I created this award with Richard in mind for all he has done as a supporter and champion for DU,” said Louisiana DU State Chairman Jay Owen. “It will now be given annually to recognize an individual who has shown dedication to the mission of Ducks Unlimited and has been a promoter of the organization and its work throughout Louisiana and North America.”
Richard Zuschlag cofounded Acadian Ambulance Service in 1971 and continues to serve as its chairman and chief executive officer. Acadian provides ground and air medical transportation services to millions of residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Richard is also owner of Grande View Lodge – a private hunting camp in Creole, Louisiana.
As an avid duck hunter, Richard understands and supports the DU mission.
“It is an honor for me to work with DU because I am a big believer in conservation. Ducks Unlimited has done a tremendous amount of work to help us restore our wetlands in Louisiana and throughout North America,” Zuschlag said. “DU is one of the most respected and admired conservation organizations around because they are able to bring all stakeholders together, from government officials and private donors to scientists and think tanks, all with the single purpose to maximize our conservation efforts.”
A Ducks Unlimited Legacy Sponsor and charter member of the President’s Council, Richard repeatedly opens Grande View Lodge to DU for executive volunteer meetings, donor stewardship hunts, and staff retreats. Last fall, he hosted a DU fund-raiser on the opening weekend of waterfowl season featuring his friend, former Vice President Dick Cheney.
“The importance of Richard’s generosity to Ducks Unlimited can’t be overstated,” said DU Managing Director of Development Chad Manlove. “Without dedicated conservationists like Richard, DU wouldn’t be able to meet our mission of conserving waterfowl habitat across North America.”
Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats.