The provincial government report says the outbreak is the worst so far recorded in North America, with its effects expected to last two to three decades.
About eight million ha has been affected in central and northern British Columbia, resulting in the death of 400 million m2 of merchantable pine – an increase of 45% over the past year.
The report says the epidemic has created a temporary boost to the lumber industry, as wood from beetle-killed trees can still be used in the short term.