It's a controversial plan that could ultimately lead to a new casino in the South Valley.

The Tule River Indians want to convert 40 acres of land near Highway 195 from trust to reservation status.

The tribe says it could use that land to build anything from a water park to a resort.

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors oppose the move because they fear it will make it easier for the tribe to build a casino.

"It's not the board's intent to interfere with the tribes use of land, but the specific concern for the potential for gaming as stated in the application," said Tulare County Counsel Kathleen Bales-Lange.

"The tribe is actually interested in economical development. The casino right now is the only viable form of economic development on the reservation," said Tule River Tribe attorney Sam Cohen.

Last year the county denied the tribes plan to expand Eagle Mountain Casino.

The final decision about the land will be made by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.