The Sustainable Lands Strategy (SLS) was convened in 2010 by Snohomish County, Tulalip and Stillaguamish Tribes, state and federal agencies, and agricultural and environmental stakeholders to improve coordination and generate progress for fish, farm, and flood management interests.

The key behind the SLS is its mission to generate net gains in agricultural, tribal culture, and ecological productivity. The term “net gains” refers to the principle that the benefits of broad-scale agreements should be greater than the cost for every party involved. No person or group should be expected to accept a net loss so that someone else can gain. Only “win-win” agreements, in which all parties see more gain than loss should be completed under the SLS.