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17B.04.050 Rural conservancy environment. 17B.04.060 Urban conservancy environment. 17B.04.070 Shoreline residential environment. 17B.04.080 Aquatic environment. 17B.04.090 Shoreline use and modification table. 17B.04.010 Purpose and intent. This chapter is intended to meet the requirements in WAC 173-26-211(2)(a), which states: Master programs shall contain a system to classify shoreline areas into specific environment designations. This classification system shall be based on the existing use pattern, the biological and physical character of the shoreline, and the goals and aspirations of the community as expressed through comprehensive plans as well as the criteria in this Section. Each master program's classification system shall be consistent with that described in WAC 173-26-211 (4) and (5) unless the alternative proposed provides equal or better implementation of the act. (Ord. 2016-006, 2016) 17B.04.020 Evaluation. Environment designations were created by evaluating the existing use patterns, biological and physical characteristics, zoning designations, and comprehensive plan designations. The inventory and characterization data, depicted on maps and described in text, was used to determine the extent of shoreline alterations. (Ord. 2016-006, 2016) 17B.04.030 Environment designations. The shoreline environment designation system includes five (5) environments: natural, rural conservancy, urban conservancy, shoreline residential, and aquatic. Each environment designation contains a purpose statement, management policies and designation criteria. For all areas not specifically designated, the environment designation will be rural conservancy in rural areas, and urban conservancy in urban growth areas. (Ord. 2016-006, 2016) 17B.04.040 Natural environment. A. Purpose. The purpose of the natural shoreline environment designation is to protect or restore shoreline areas that are relatively free of human influence or include intact or minimally degraded shoreline functions intolerant of human use. The natural shoreline environment designation maintains the ecological functions and ecosystem-wide processes of such areas by limiting future uses to low intensity uses that are compatible with the natural characteristics that make these areas unique and valuable. B. Management policies. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.480, the natural environment management policies of the 2016 2021 Kittitas County Shoreline Master Program shall be considered as policies of the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan. C. Designation criteria. 1. A natural environment designation should be assigned to shoreline areas if any of the following characteristics apply: a. The shoreline is ecologically intact and therefore, currently performing an important, irreplaceable function or ecosystem-wide process that would be damaged by human activity;