Opponents of a La Center, Wash., casino project that the Mohegan Tribe would develop and manage continue to try to block it.

In a notice filed Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the opponents announced they're appealing a federal judge's mid-December dismissal of their lawsuit contesting the U.S. government's decision to take 152 acres into trust for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its proposed casino.

The plaintiffs include Clark County, Wash.; the city of Vancouver; the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, which operates an Oregon casino; and the operator of La Center "card rooms," which allow gambling on card games but no slot machines.

The Mohegans and the Cowlitz agreed to partner on a casino in 2004. During a conference call with analysts last week, Mohegan gaming executives mentioned that the Cowlitz project finally appeared to be close to proceeding.

On Wednesday, both tribes said the latest court action would have little effect.

"The most disappointing thing is that even in the face of a summary dismissal, the county and the city of Vancouver are appealing," Iyall said Wednesday. "It's a horrible waste of taxpayers' resources. It should not delay the project."

Iyall said the Cowlitz appreciated the Mohegans' support, adding, "We would not be here at this point without them."

The Cowlitz, which Iyall said began pursuing federal recognition at about the same time as the Mohegans, achieved the coveted status in 2000.

That ruling was challenged and affirmed in 2002, and the tribe then applied to have land taken into trust for a reservation and a casino.

The U.S. government first approved the plan in 2010 but a court challenge caused the decision to be rescinded.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com

Twitter: @bjhallenbeck