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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form 8-K of our report dated February 23, 2001 on the audited
consolidated financial statements of Westport Resources Corporation and our
report dated June 15, 2000 on the audited statements of revenues and direct
operating expenses for the EPGC Properties and to all references to our Firm
included in this Form 8-K.

                                               /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP





Denver, Colorado,
  August 24, 2001