Appalachian Trail Conservancy Opposes PAX-1 Data Center in Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania
May 6, 2026
HARPERS FERRY, W.V. — Earlier this year, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) expressed concerns to both LIVIC Civil and Middlesex Township about the development of the Pennsylvania Digital 1 (PAX-1) Data Center adjacent to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Located just 0.3 miles from the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and visible from several viewpoints on the Trail, the development of PAX-1 will adversely affect the scenic, natural, historic, and cultural character of the region, as well as the experience of upwards of 150,000 visitors to this part of the A.T. each year.
To date, the ATC’s concerns have not been adequately addressed in the data center’s plans for development, and as a result the organization is expressing its opposition to the location, size, and scale of this development.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy works closely with Appalachian Trail maintaining Clubs, the National Park Service, local communities, and other public and private land managers to ensure the protection and stewardship of the resources that contribute to the iconic A.T. experience. Together with its partners, the ATC encourages and appreciates early and comprehensive communication in the planning stage of an infrastructure project near the A.T. to ensure thorough analysis of adverse impacts to the Trail.
Unfortunately, neither the ATC nor the NPS were made aware of the PAX-1 project until after the ordinance for the data center overlay had already been approved by the Township.
The Appalachian Trail is nationally significant as a continuous, ridgeline-oriented recreational corridor intentionally located to provide expansive views of surrounding pastoral, wooded, and culturally significant landscapes that contribute to its historic setting and character. The A.T. in Pennsylvania is also significant because it supports a strong outdoor recreation economy while protecting the scenic, natural, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth.
Through a comprehensive Visual Resource Inventory process, the ATC has determined that multiple high value scenic vantage points on the Appalachian Trail will be significantly impacted. The development of PAX-1 would introduce prominent incompatible visual elements into a landscape historically characterized by its pastoral nature.
Additionally, significant construction over the next six years and eventual daily operation of the PAX-1 Data Center will increase noise disturbance, light pollution, and vehicle and heavy equipment traffic near the A.T. Finally, the ATC is concerned about habitat loss in the A.T. landscape and the potential considerable impacts on the local ecology.
As a key steward of this national treasure, the ATC is committed to ensuring that the impact of any proposed development near the Appalachian Trail be proactively evaluated and managed so that the Trail’s resources and experience are protected in their current state or otherwise offset by enhancements that improve recreation and/or conservation in the vicinity. The ATC remains open to future conversations with LIVIC Civil to establish the best possible outcome for the Trail.
About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.
