What is "degagna"

A Degagna is a public statutory corporation of territorial division in Switzerland. It is characteristic of the Leventina valley in the Canton of Ticino. It is a smaller division of a Vicinanza and is currently treated as the same as a patriziato under Swiss law. It began as church-territorial unit, was transformed over time due to economic changes. The Degagna owns common property, such as pastures, meadows and woods. Its members have in common certain rights in the territory owned. In the past, the Degagna was also in charge of maintenance of roads touching the area of common property. It was ruled by a consul, who was elected by a meeting of degagnesi. Under the direction of the consul, the representatives of the Degagna are sent to the executive group over the Vicinanza.