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                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2

On August 14, 1998, the Registrant issued the following press release:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Contact: Larry C. Busnardo
----------------------                                           (303) 572-3900 
                                                                  

                 BARRETT RESOURCES REPORTS FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
                     CONCERNING ITS CAVE GULCH 1-29LAK WELL

DENVER, COLO., AUG. 14, 1998 -- Barrett Resources Corporation (NYSE: BRR)
reported that the August 13 blowout of its Cave Gulch 1-29LAK well appears to
have been caused by a downhole failure of the casing in the well.

Barrett personnel and well control specialists are working to determine if the
unstable well conditions will permit removal of surface equipment and subsequent
control of the well to the extent that gas sales or controlled flaring can be
resumed.  Concurrently, Barrett personnel and relief well specialists are
evaluating four options for utilizing a relief well for downhole kill
operations.  The most attractive option will be implemented immediately.

For safety reasons the Company has temporarily halted preparations for the
testing of the Cave Gulch 3-29MAD well scheduled for August 18.  However, the
drilling of two offsetting wells within a mile of the 1-29LAK is continuing, but
if wind conditions change, this drilling will be temporarily suspended.
Production has continued unabated from Barrett's 22 producing wells in the Cave
Gulch area at a current daily rate of 55,250 million British Thermal Units net
to Barrett's working interest.

Barrett also reported that it believes its has sufficient insurance to cover the
costs of controlling the well and any relief well that may be attempted.
Insurance does not cover any lost revenues or reserves from the well.  Barrett's
total remaining reserves for the 1-29LAK well net to its working interest are
estimated to be approximately 20 billion cubic feet.

The well is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Casper, Wyoming in a
sparsely populated area of Natrona County.  Because the area is sparsely
populated, it has not been necessary to evacuate anyone from their home.

Barrett's management will conduct a telephone conference call today at 11:00
a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these developments.  To participate in the call,
dial (913) 981-4900 and reference Confirmation Code #522626.

Barrett Resources is a Denver-based independent natural gas and oil exploration
and production company that is also involved in gas gathering, marketing and
trading activities. Barrett's properties are focused primarily in the Rocky
Mountain region of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, the Mid-Continent area of Kansas,
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, and the Gulf of Mexico region of offshore Texas
and Louisiana. For additional information about Barrett, please visit our Web
site at www.brr.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.  Any such projections or statements reflect the Company's current views
with respect to future events and financial performance.  No assurances can be
given, however, that these events will occur or that such projections will be
achieved and actual results could differ materially from those projected.  A
discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected is included in the Company's periodic reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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