I used a lease form I found on Vermont's maple site, then I redid it to fit my operation. On my 2 leases I paid in both syrup and a check. I set my rate, which will depend on several factors. The ease of access, the size of the bush, is power available, how easy will it be to design and install a tubing system, how many taps/acre potential and the general lay of the land. Other factors can often be about how much demand is there for the lease, if 2 or more producers want it, the cost goes up.
On mine I supplied the landowners with all of the syrup they wanted (calculating the value as if it was all in gal jugs, regardless of the size they requested) the I subtracted that from the total and paid the bal in a check. About 10 or 12 years ago I started at $.75/tap, after 5 years it rose at the same rate as the social security rate declared inflation.
When I ended the leases, I sold one to another producer and the landowner plans to take the other one over next year with me boiling his sap on shares.
Areas with lots of producers can see rates much higher, like I've heard of $2.00/tap. On mine, I did not have permission to cut any firewood (both landowners cut wood to heat their homes) and the trails were already there from logging and firewood gathering already.
In any case, have the lease in writing stating the responsibilities of each party. I always supplied a certificate of liability insurance to the landowner, naming them as "also insured".
Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.