HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) – The Mishewal Wappo Indians are suing U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to regain tribal status, a move that could result in an Indian casino being built in the area.

The federal suit seeks a court order restoring tribal lands along the Russian River northeast of Healdsburg.

Sonoma County Supervisor Paul Kelley says officials are worried that U.S. recognition of the tribe might pave the way for tribal development that violates local land-use law.

The county fought a move by Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2003 to sponsor legislation giving the tribe federal recognition, an idea that was later dropped.

Officials for the 500-member Wappo tribe and the Interior Department could not be reached for comment Friday.

According to the suit, the tribe was recognized by the U.S. government from 1851 to 1959.

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Information from: The Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemo.com