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  No.  33-6185,  Form  S-8
Registration  Statement No.  333-30055 and Form S-8  Registration  Statement No.
333-58273.

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Denver, Colorado,
   March 9, 2000.