Exhibit 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 23, 2001
included in Westport Resources Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.




                                                            Arthur Andersen, LLP


Denver, Colorado,
   April 5, 2001.