EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  included  in this Form 10-K into St. Mary Land &  Exploration  Company's
previously  filed Form S-8  Registration  Statement Nos.  033-61850,  333-30055,
333-58273 and 333-35352.




                                                     /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Denver, Colorado,
    March 21, 2001.