Dec 01, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Metsahallitus has informed UPM about its plans to supply wood from the Riponeva area to UPM's mills. UPM is waiting for the Ministry of Environment to verify the nature values of the area located in Virrat, central Finland. Several Finnish environmental organisations, with reference to the protection of the Siberian Jay, have questioned Metsahallitus harvesting operations in the Riponeva area. The wood supply contract between UPM and Metsahallitus, a state enterprise that administers state-owned land in Finland, is made annually and covers deliveries per mill and timber assortment. Metsahallitus itself identifies the harvesting areas. In its operations, UPM adheres to legislation and guidelines set by the authorities as well as its to own environmental guidelines. UPM requires the same from its suppliers, including Metsahallitus. UPM trusts that in Riponeva, Metsahallitus is acting in accordance with the law and guidelines set by the authorities. In Finland, the protection of specific species is defined by law. The law does not cover near threatened species like the Siberian Jay.