John Fraley has molded himself into a historian of Northwest Montana, authoring books on the region's pioneers and its wilderness.  

His sixth — and most recent — book, “What’s Left of Wildness: True Adventures in Montana’s Wilderness,” holds a special place in his heart, not just because of its content, but because of its co-author, his daughter Heather Fraley.

Heather grew up following her dad into remote areas of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and surrounding areas, trapping martens, fishing for trout and climbing peaks. Wilderness is cherished equally by both members of the father-daughter team.  

“We’ve spent a lot of time in the wilderness together,” John said. “It was just natural to write this together.” 

The co-authors aimed to share stories about stewards of wilderness areas, highlighting their commitment to preserving the land as well as their passion for showing others the importance of the wilderness. 

The book is intended to be carried into the wilderness and enjoyed, John said. It is split into four parts, each detailing an outfitter, pioneer or area. The first part highlights Jack Rich, who has been a packer in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for decades. He is located outside of Seely Lake.  

John met Rich while working in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in the 1980s. Rich has taken thousands of people into The Bob over the years, John said.  

“He’s created wilderness lovers,” John said. “And now these people are going to support the wilderness in turn.” 

Stories of close encounters with bears and donkeys with strong personalities fill the pages alongside chronicles of pack trips that cover hundreds of miles. It’s an entertaining and funny read, John said. Talking with long-time wilderness lovers is always a good time, he said with a smile, and the stories shared are like precious stones. 

“We really wanted to bring to life these characters and celebrate how much they've given back to wilderness areas,” Heather said. 

The second part details Bud Moore, a conservationist, and his observations that led to the creation of the Welcome Creek Wilderness Area. The third is a collection of stories from outfitters Shawn and Capri Little out of the Great Bear Wilderness and the fourth is a collection of people and stories about the Misson Mountains.  

With each story, John and Heather hope the magic of the wilderness — and the need to protect it — is evident. 

“[These stories] are jewels you can’t experience unless you’re in wilderness,” John said, remembering one story of an outfitter watching a black bear teach her cubs to swim.  

“It’s magic,” he said. 

An avid outdoorsman, John has pursued multiple professional endeavors over the years — fishery ecologist, outreach specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and most recently an author. Heather has a background in both wildlife biology and journalism.  

This is Heather’s first published book. It was an honor to do it alongside her father, she said.  

“I grew up from my youngest days watching my dad recreate in the wilderness, recreating with him, sitting on his backpack ... and it really shaped my life," she said. “It is just such an incredible privilege to be able to spend time in these areas that are a little less populated, a bit wilder.”  

The call, desire and effort to keep these places wild is worth celebrating, Heather said. The Fraleys hope the book will inspire readers to enjoy and protect wild areas.  

“Designated wilderness is the one place in the midst of the fast-paced human society where we can still pause and take a breath, still watch the snow fall on the fur of a beautiful marten, still feel true spiritual contentment and awe,” Heather wrote in the book’s introduction.  

“What's Left of Wildness: True Adventures in Montana's Wilderness” can be purchased on Amazon at amazon.com/Whats-Left-Wildness-Adventures-Wilderness/dp/B0FK3XY98L. John hopes to get the book into some local bookstores as well. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].