PHILIPSBURG--A public information session on Rockland Estate Rain Forest Adventures, a project planned for Emilio Wilson Estate (EWE) will be held at Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Thursday starting at 7:45pm.

Project Chief Engineer John Dalton and estate owner Henri Brookson will make the presentation about the US $8 million project that is still awaiting the relevant permits from government.

"We want to encourage visitors to learn about the plans, ask questions, voice concerns and make suggestions," Dalton and Brookson said.

The project is said to be one that will preserve the estate's flora and fauna and restore the dilapidated plantation. The estate will be made accessible to residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Dutch side's highest peak, Sentry Hill.

Environmentalists are not in favour of the development and have continued to urge government to preserve the estate as "the first land-based protected area and National Park."

The existing Emilio Wilson Historical and Cultural Park will remain untouched and a buffer of some 100,000 square metres outside the park and up the hillside has been reserved for government purchase. That land would be designated for conservation. The football field will also remain and be available for players.

Information on the plan is available from http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17363376/ROCKLAND%20ESTATE.pdf.